• Last Update 2024-03-28 14:07:00

SL Govt unhappy over Canada imposing sanctions on Rajapaksa bros

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Update: The Foreign Ministry here has summoned the  Acting Canadian High Commissioner Daniel Bood to express displeasure over Canada’s decision to impose sanctions on two former Presidents for human rights violations.

Minister Sabry expressed the deep regret of the Government on the announcement of unilateral sanctions brought against four individuals including two former Presidents of Sri Lanka by the Government of Canada based on unsubstantiated allegations, the Ministry said today.

On Tuesday, Canada imposed targeted sanctions under regulations pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act against four Sri Lankan state officials including former Presidents- Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa.

This would effectively freeze any assets the two Rajapaksas may hold in Canada and render them inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the statement from Foreign Ministry of Canada said.

The two Presidents were held responsible for gross and systematic violations of human rights during armed conflict in Sri Lanka, which occurred from 1983 to 2009.

Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lieutenant Commander Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi are the other two officials.

"Despite continued calls from Canada and the international community to address accountability, the Government of Sri Lanka has taken limited meaningful and concrete action to uphold its human rights obligations. This jeopardizes progress on justice for affected populations, and prospects for peace and reconciliation."

These sanctions send a clear message that Canada will not accept continued impunity for those that have committed gross human rights violations in Sri Lanka”, the statement added. 

Canada said it will continue to collaborate alongside international partners, including through relevant multilateral bodies to advocate for human rights and accountability in Sri Lanka, which is an important step toward securing a safe, peaceful and inclusive future for the country." Canada, as part of the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council will continue to advocate for the full implementation of resolution 51/1 and support efforts towards attaining accountability and peace on the island."

Mélanie Joly, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that over the past four decades, the people of Sri Lanka have suffered a great deal due to the armed conflict, economic and political instability, and gross violations of human rights. "

“Canada is steadfast in its support to attain peace, reconciliation, justice and accountability on the island.  Canada has taken decisive action today to end international impunity against violators of international law. Canada stands ready to support Sri Lanka’s path to peace, inclusion and prosperity through the advancement of accountability, reconciliation and human rights, including international assistance to address the domestic crisis.”

In addition to yesterday’s announcement, and in response to the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka, Canada announced $3 million to the appeals launched by the United Nations and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to address immediate needs, including food security and livelihoods, shelter and non-food items, as well as nutritional assistance and primary healthcare services for vulnerable children and women.

Canada has also readjusted ongoing international assistance projects to address pressing needs, providing support, for instance, to the World Health Organization for the procurement of essential medical equipment and supplies, the statement. 

 

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