Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participated in a virtual celebration for Thai Pongal and Tamil Heritage Month in Canada. Minister of Public Services and Procurement Anita Anand and Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Rouge Park Gary Anandasangaree who are of Tamil heritage delivered remarks along with Mayor of Toronto John Tory.
The evening also saw performances by talented members of the community.
The celebration was hosted by Radheyan Simonpillai in Toronto.
The Prime Minister congratulated Anandasangaree for his work to make Tamil heritage month a reality.
Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Rouge Park Gary Anandasangaree
The Prime Minister mentioned the destruction of the of the war memorial at the University of Jaffna, which after international outrage was being re-built.
“I know the destruction of the Mulivakal memorial at the University of Jaffna hit Tamil Canadians hard. I know the monument will be re-built. That is encouraging news, because peace in Sri Lanka cannot be achieved without accountability,” said the PM addressing guests from his office in Ottawa, who had traditional oil lamp lit to celebrate Thai Pongal.
“Canada remains committed towards reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka. We will continue to work with our core partners in the UN Human Rights Council to help achieve lasting peace and stability.”
