Canada calls upon Members of the Sri Lankan Tamil Community to develop creative ideas about how to contribute constructively

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Ottawa celebrated the 64^th Anniversary of Independence on 4^th February at the High Commissioner’s Residence with the participation of the High Commission Staff and their families and the main Office Bearers of the  Sri Lanka Canada Association of Ottawa.

Outside the snow covered grounds of the official residence the programme commenced with hoisting of the National Flag, and singing of the National Anthem. Religious observances  of the  Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian  religions, the reading of the Messages of the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were followed by a brief speech by the High Commissioner who spoke on the current developments in Sri Lanka, and urged the Sri Lankan community to extend their support to their Motherland.

On the 8^th of February  a grand function was held at the Theatre of the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa which was attended by over 500 participants.   The Guest of Honour was Hon. Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs who was joined by Mr. Mac Harb, Senator and, Ms Louise Brown, Member of Parliament.  The other participants were Canadian Government Officials, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, invitees from the corporate sector, the media and the Sri Lankan community.

Read more: Independence Day Celebrations in Ottawa

On the invitation of the Acting Minister of External Affairs Hon. Neomal Perera, a Parliamentary delegation from Canada comprising Hon. Chungen Leung (M.P.), Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multiculturalism and Deputy Minister of the Government of Canada, Hon. Joe Daniel (M.P.), and Marlene Gallyot, Member of the Conservative Party visited Sri Lanka from 8th to 11th January, 2012.  The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Acting Minister at the Ministry of External Affairs.

Read more: Visit of Canadian Parliamentary Delegation to Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa celebrated Thai Pongal which is the harvest festival generally celebrated by Hindus all over the world.  

The event was held on Saturday 21st January 2012 at the High Commissioner’s Residence.  The invitees included Sri Lankan Pensioners living in Ottawa.

Read more: Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa celebrates Thai Pongal

Following  reports in the LTTE affiliated websites and media on the alleged issue of a personalised stamp by Canada Post Corporation promoting the LTTE’s separatist  agenda which also includes a reference to “genocide”, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canada on 3rd January 2012 sent two letters, one to Denis Lebel, MP, Minister responsible for Canada Post Corporation and the other to Mr. Deepak Chopra, President and CEO of Canada post to register Sri Lanka’s protest and expressing the deep concern of the High Commission on this matter. This issue  was also brought to the notice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canada.

Read more: Issue of a Personalised Stamp in Canada

The Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa, Canada and the Consul General’s Office in Toronto in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Tamil Community, for the second time, organised a colourful event to celebrate the Deepavali festival 2011 on Sunday 6^th November at the Korean Cultural Centre in Toronto.

Read more: Deepavali Celebrated in Canada amidst attempts to disrupt the event