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Sri Lanka rejects allegations by the Canadian PM

Published

2 years ago

May 19, 2023

editor

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unreservedly rejects the statement issued by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on 18 May 2023 containing outrageous claims of genocide relating to the past conflict in Sri Lanka.

“Such irresponsible and polarizing pronouncements by the leader of a nation breeds disharmony and hatred both in Canada and Sri Lanka, instead of promoting peace and reconciliation,” a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states.

The MFA statement further notes :

Sri Lanka urges Canada and its leaders to refrain from making pronouncements from Canada which promote hatred, misinformation and extremist views and to cease its unhelpful focus on Sri Lanka based on distorted facts. This runs contrary to the Canadian Prime Minister’s stated objective of “safeguarding human rights across the world”.

Sri Lanka vehemently rejects this unsubstantiated narrative of ‘genocide’ which has been deliberately constructed by politically motivated anti-Sri Lanka elements whose so-called recognition in Canada depends on spreading misinformation and a false narrative of hatred. We urge caution at a time when the world is combatting the dangers of misinformation, including through social media platforms.

For over three decades the people of Sri Lanka suffered from the brutal terrorism waged by the “LTTE” one of the world’s most ruthless terrorist organizations which suppressed the lives and democratic rights of all communities, Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese in all parts of the country. The LTTE atrocities included assassinations of Sri Lankan and foreign leaders as well as moderate Tamil leaders. The defeat of this terrorist organization brought security and stability to Sri Lanka. The LTTE continues to be proscribed in several democratic countries including Canada. Many Sri Lankan soldiers were killed and disabled in protecting the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the country.

Sri Lanka and Canada are linked by a significant community of Canadians of Sri Lankan heritage who maintain a rich and mutually reinforcing relationship between our countries. We urge the Canadian Government and its leaders to leverage this platform to form bonds of friendship and harmony between people and to refrain from polarizing communities in both Canada and overseas.

Despite the socio-economic challenges encountered by the country at present, Sri Lanka has made a cautious start in ushering in stability, recovery and furthering reconciliation for all communities and all segments of the people. We deeply appreciate the support we have received from the international community in this effort.

Both Sri Lanka and Canada are committed to common democratic values, institutions and traditions and to the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of fellow citizens. Sri Lanka wishes to engage with Canada, a longstanding bilateral and development partner, in this spirit of mutual respect and calls on Canada to ensure that its pronouncements are not detrimental to Sri Lanka’s overriding national interest of ensuring the prosperity of our people and future generations.

News

‘National Injury Prevention Week’ begins today

Published

3 hours ago

July 7, 2025

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The Ministry of Health has declared a ‘National Injury Prevention Week’, which will be observed from today (July 07) until July 11.

Consultant Community Physician – Dr. Samitha Siritunga, Head of the Accident Prevention Unit under the Ministry’s Non-Communicable Diseases Division (NCD), stated that out of Sri Lanka’s 145,000 total annual deaths, between 10,000 – 12,000 are due to sudden injuries.

Alarmingly, over 7,500 – 8,000 deaths occur before the victims can reach hospital care, he further said.

News

Pilot project to upgrade meal plans for hospital inpatients

Published

3 hours ago

July 7, 2025

editor

Plans are underway to launch a new initiative to provide high-quality, nutritious, and appetizing meals to inpatients at government hospitals.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media announced that a pilot project will kick off at the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

The plan was discussed at a recent meeting chaired by Health and Mass Media Minister – Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, with senior ministry officials, hospital administrators, nutritionists, and doctors from the Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians in attendance.

Minister Jayatissa noted that while the government allocates a significant budget each year for hospital food services, there are concerns of whether the system actually delivers, providing wholesome meals for the patients and justifying the funds spent.

He highlighted that patient satisfaction with hospital meals has never been properly assessed and stressed the need to overhaul both the menu and the delivery system.

The pilot project at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital will see each patient receive a customized plate with rice, vegetables, and proteins served separately, instead of the traditional single-plate meal.

Doctors advised that visually appealing and well-arranged meals can help lift patients’ appetites and encourage better nutrition.

The discussion also addressed challenges at Apeksha Hospital, including a staff shortage despite having a modern kitchen capable of preparing meals for up to 2,000 people.

The need for specialized training for kitchen staff in modern food preparation and service techniques was emphasized, along with a proposal to rename the kitchen as the “Food and Beverages Department” to reflect improved standards.

Participants recommended upgrading kitchen facilities by replacing gas stoves with steam-powered equipment and introducing new technology to maintain food quality and safety.

Minister Jayatissa pledged quick action to address these issues, adding that the government hopes to expand the project to all state hospitals nationwide.

Additional Secretaries – Sunil Galagama and Salinda Bandara, Director General of Health Services – Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director of Apeksha Hospital – Dr. Aruna Jayasekara, President of the Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians – Dr. Thimathi Wickramasekara, as well as several senior doctors and nutritionists were present at the meeting.

News

Special traffic plan in Borella today

Published

4 hours ago

July 7, 2025

editor

Police have announced a special traffic plan that will be implemented in Borella today (July 07) due to an event marking the 50th Golden Jubilee celebration of the Priesthood of His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

The event is expected to draw a large number of invited guests, including religious dignitaries, government officials, and members of the clergy.

To ease congestion, heavy vehicles will be restricted from entering the stretch between Kynsey Road junction and Nandadasa Kodagoda junction on Ward Place between 3.00 pm – 9.00 pm within the Borella Police Division.

Police have requested motorists to use alternate routes during this time.