Govt. of Canada has imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankan state officials, including former presidents | January 10, 2023

Government of Canada has imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankan state officials, including former presidents. - WK News

Government of Canada has imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankan state officials, including former presidents  

The Government of Canada has imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankan government officials, including former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabaya Rajapaksa.  

According to the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the sanctions are over human rights violations committed during the armed conflict from 1983 to 2009. Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa oversaw the forces that were accused of targeting Tamil civilians. The Sri Lankan government has taken “limited meaningful and concrete action” to uphold its human rights obligations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada said on Tuesday in a press release. In addition to former presidents, sanctions have also been imposed on Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lt Commander Chandana P Hettiarachchithe, the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.  

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, resigned last July, and his older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, has held the titles of President and Prime Minister. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly said - “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.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Jan. 10, 2023. 



WK News, Ottawa. 

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