Thousands of Tamil Canadians rallied at the Scarborough Albert Campbell square, coinciding with the start of the 5th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, and urged the International community to accept an autonomous Tamil Nation through Self Determination applicable under International law. Leader of the Provincial NDP Howard Hampton, Hon. Jim Karygiannis MP for Scarborough-Agincourt, Brad Duguid, MP for Scarborough-Centre, Raymond Cho, Toronto City Councillor spoke at the rally. Hon. Albina Guarnieri Liberal MP for Mississauga East - Cooksville, Hon. Dan McTeague Liberal MP for Scarborough East-Pickering, Mark Holland Liberal MP for Ajax-Pickering and Derek Lee Liberal MP for Scarborough-Rouge River attended in support of the rally. Tim Dobson, Chuck Konkel and George Khourie of the Conservative Party of Canada also spoke.

 

“Our Leaders have signed more than 12 pacts and treaties with the Sri lankan Political Parties within the last 60 years, only to be torn by them as soon they were signed. International Organizations and Countries could not convince the Government of Sri lanka the need for them to agree on Federalism or other forms of power sharing with the Tamils. An autonomous Nationhood is the only answer whereby our people could live peacefully without the fear of abductions, extra-judicial killings, mass murders and ethnic cleansing” said Mr. V.Thangavelu, President of World Tamil Creative Writers Association.

























































“The Government of Sri lanka is not willing to listen to the International community. Human right abuses, indiscriminate bombardment, killing of International Humanitarian workers, economic embarge, disappearances and extra judicial killings. The International Community has an obligation to provide fundamental security to the Tamil people from this failing state. They should assist in the formation of an autonomous Tamil State for them” said Ms Sujani Krishnalingam, a Student Leader from the University of Toronto.

The rally has to be closed one hour ahead of the announced time, as it had exceeded its capacity of the venue and the organizers had to ensure that the large number present would not overcrowd the Public Transit system and the adjoining major shopping centre.

Courtesy: TamilNet