Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney has issued a solemn statement to mark 42 years since the anti-Tamil violence known as Black July erupted in Sri Lanka in 1983. The pogrom led to the deaths of thousands, the displacement of families, and the beginning of a mass exodus that shaped Tamil diaspora communities around the world, including in Canada.
“Forty-two years ago, an anti-Tamil pogrom erupted in Sri Lanka, leaving thousands dead, families shattered, and countless others forced to flee,” said Prime Minister Carney. “Black July remains a tragic chapter in Sri Lanka’s history.”
Recognizing the tragedy’s lasting impact, Carney reflected on Canada’s response, driven in part by advocacy from the Tamil-Canadian community. In 1983, Canada introduced a Special Measures program to resettle over 1,800 Tamil refugees fleeing persecution. More recently, in 2022, the Parliament of Canada unanimously declared May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, cementing Canada’s ongoing recognition of the atrocities and its call for accountability.
“Canada stands with Tamil-Canadians in remembering the victims and survivors of these atrocities,” Carney stated. “On this solemn day, we honour the lives lost and affirm our work to build a world with meaningful justice and accountability.”
Tamil Canadians today remain one of the country’s most vibrant communities, and the memory of Black July continues to shape advocacy efforts around human rights, reconciliation, and the recognition of historical injustices.
