January 07, 2013 18:01 ET
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA--(Marketwire - Jan. 7,
2013) - Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism
Minister Jason Kenney reiterated Canada's strong concerns about human rights,
government accountability, and post-war reconciliation in Sri Lanka during his
recent visit to Colombo.
"Canada wants to see a successful
2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, but as host of the event, Sri
Lanka is under close scrutiny for its adherence to Commonwealth values and
principles," stated Minister Kenney. "Canada's level of
representation at this meeting will depend on real progress on political
reconciliation and accountability, including an independent investigation of
allegations of human rights violations endured by civilians at the hands of
both sides during the civil war," Minister Kenney stated.
During his visit, Minister Kenney met with
key interlocutors of the Government of Sri Lanka as well as major opposition
parties to convey Canada's concerns, including about the disappointing lack of
progress toward reconciliation in post-war Sri Lanka. He also met with members
of civil society organizations working on the ground to address humanitarian
concerns and advocate improvements in the human rights situation.
Canada continues to be concerned about the
human rights situation in Sri Lanka, including the Sri Lankan government's
failure to investigate accusations of bombing of hospitals and mass shelling of
civilians by the military during the 2009 civil war.
Minister Kenney also voiced concern about
the recent impeachment of Shirani Bandaranayake, Chief Justice of Sri Lanka,
which does not appear to have followed the established procedures or
traditional grounds for judicial impeachment - standards which are necessary to
ensure the independence of the judiciary and the protection of rights in
Commonwealth nations. He also raised concerns about the harassment of members
of the media and non-governmental organizations as well as the recent and
ongoing detention of students in Jaffna as troubling indications of a shrinking
of democratic space in Sri Lanka.
"Canada will continue to stand up for
freedom and political accountability in the world, including in fellow
Commonwealth member nations," Minister Kenney said. "We further urge
Sri Lanka to demonstrate its commitment to fundamental Commonwealth values and
principles, including the importance of fundamental human rights, democracy,
and the rule of law."
