Archive for the ‘News’ Category
By Admin - June 1st, 2014
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Check out the full ConIFA World Football Cup Match Schedule!
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By Admin - June 1st, 2014
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First game for Tamileelam F.A. against Arameans Suryoye FA is tomorrow, Monday June 2nd at 4:00 a.m (ET) and Kurdistan FA on Tuesday June 3rd at 4:00 a.m (ET). Tune into www.tamileelamfa.org for live streaming of #Tamileelam FA games! #tefa #GoalPodu
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By Admin - May 18th, 2014
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Written By: Mathusan Mahalingam
Do a simple Google image search for ‘May’. What comes up? Beautiful flowers and symbols that all point to a month of happiness. Now search ‘May Massacre Tamils.’ See what comes up. This is why the reality of the month of May differs for Tamils. May no longer is a happy month, a month of happiness and flowers, but rather it a month of mourning, loss and sadness.
What is May Massacre?
Today marks the 5th year remembrance of May Massacre. 5 years ago during this time, the Sri-Lankan government engaged in a heightened program of genocide marked by murder, abductions, rape and denial of food and medicine to Tamils in Mullivaykal. This was a systematic program aimed at the physical destabilization and elimination of Tamils through murder and rape. Murdering able bodied men and boys is a way to prevent a community from fighting against genocide – it destabilizes the physical threat of a community to protect its rights, and that is why during May 2009, men were the primary targets when it came to killing. If you followed closely, men were targeted and ‘shipped’ off to different camps than women during May 2009, and this was a way of easily separating them and eliminating them.
Women have been targeted in genocide in another way; the destruction and degradation of their bodies have been used as an instrument of genocide. Sri-Lanka used the rape of Tamil women as a tool of genocide. In many cultures, like the Tamil culture, women are the ones who bear the honor of their societies. Targeting their honor, and defiling a women’s body is a way in which perpetrators of genocide can terrorize a community. Raping women produces three outcomes perpetrators hope will happen. Firstly, it undermines the ability for the biological reproduction of a targeted group. If the perpetrators are of a different ethnicity, race, or tribe, then by raping the women of the targeted community, the biological reproduction of the targeted population is stilled.
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By Admin - May 18th, 2014
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Human Rights and Advocacy Council (HRAC), Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA)
Toronto I May 18, 2014
May 2009 marks the height of the genocidal onslaught against the Eelam Tamils by the Sri-Lankan Government. During this time, the Sri-Lankan Government engaged in widespread killing, shelling of Tamil civilians in Government declared “safe zones”, sexual abuse, and deliberate denial of food and medicine to Tamil civilians. According to Bishop Rayappu Joseph, records show that the existence and whereabouts of 146,679 Tamils have not been accounted for from the end of May 2009.
Since 2009, there has been evidence mounting, including video footages, photos, satellite images, war witnesses, and findings of unexploded cluster bombs that prove that war crimes, crimes against humanity and the height of the genocide were carried out in 2009. Global organizations are currently working towards collecting these evidences and proving these allegations in a way that will make Sri-Lanka culpable for its crimes.
Today, Tamils in the North-East continue to face rape, disappearances, coercive population control, destruction of cultural and historic monuments, and disenfranchisement of land. Without a permanent solution, Tamils in Sri-Lanka continue to face cultural genocide on many levels.
May marks a month that we as a community take the time to remember the victims massacred and heal together as a community. The HRAC joins with our members, friends, and families in commemorating the victims of May Massacre. We remember our relatives, friends, and brethren that were killed. As we remember the victims together as a community here in Toronto, Tamils in our homeland, many of them survivors or families of the survivors of May Massacre have been prohibited by the Sri-Lankan Government to hold any public commemorations for those who perished during May Massacre.
The HRAC will continue to voice against the genocide of Tamils by collecting evidences from the witnesses and survivors through the Thazhumbakam project. Thazhumbakam, A Tamil Genocide Memorial Museum aims to broaden public understanding of the history of the Tamil Genocide through comprehensive programs: art and artifact exhibitions, research and publication, collecting materials, distribution of educational materials and resources, and a variety of other public programming designed to enhance understanding of the Tamil Genocide.
The need for Thazumbakam to safeguard the history of Tamils and work towards collocating evidence pointing to genocide is imperative. The HRAC further calls upon the Tamil youth in Canada to continue to raise awareness about the genocide of Eelam Tamils and participate in Thazumbakam by hosting events and exhibitions to enhance public awareness of the Tamil Genocide.
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By Admin - May 17th, 2014
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For Immediate Release
May 18, 2014
Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on the Anniversary of the End of the Sri Lankan Civil War
OTTAWA – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement in recognition of the fifth anniversary of the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War on May 18, 2009:
“Today, on the anniversary of the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War, we remember and honour the lives that were lost during more than two and a half decades of terrible conflict.
“While the war may have ended five years ago, we must acknowledge that peace in the region has not yet been settled; there is still much work to be done.
“The Liberal Party of Canada has long called for an international, independent investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Sri Lankan Civil War. The recent decision of the UN Human Rights Council to conduct an independent and international inquiry into these alleged human rights abuses is a positive starting point. We sincerely hope that the Sri Lankan government will cooperate with the investigation.
“I have spent time with the Tamil-Canadians across the country on many occasions, and I remain committed to achieving accountability and justice for the many who have suffered the awful consequences of this protracted war. We must be vigilant in working with the international community to pursue true and lasting peace in the region.
“Canada is a multicultural country, rich in both diversity and compassion. As a society, we all stand with our Tamil-Canadian brothers and sisters as they solemnly recognize this anniversary. Today we reiterate our commitment to fighting the abuse of human rights around the world, both in times of war and in times of peace.”
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Contact:
Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada
613-947-5100
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By Admin - May 17th, 2014
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2014
A statement from Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak on Annual Tamil Memorial Week:
“Today marks the 5th anniversary of the end of decades-long civil war in Sri Lanka that cost tens of thousands of lives and dramatically impacted the lives of Ontario’s Tamil-Canadian community.
“This annual memorial week is vital to ensuring we never forget the innocent civilians killed during that war. It also gives us the opportunity to once again demand justice for those who died, for the families still living in that country, and for those who fled abroad.
“As Leader of the Ontario PC Party, I again stand with Prime Minister Stephen Harper in calling for accountability from the Sri Lankan government.
“It was a proud moment for our party earlier this year when, thanks to the hard work of my caucus colleague, Todd Smith (Prince Edward-Hastings) the Ontario Legislature passed an Ontario PC bill to forever mark January as Tamil Heritage Month.
“I am proud to have two distinguished members of the Tamil community running as Ontario
PC candidates in the June 12 election, Ken Kirupa of Scarborough-Guildwood and Shan
Thayaparan of Markham-Unionville. Both are successful businessmen and leaders as well as strong advocates for accountability and justice.
“Once again, I would like to extend my support for the Canadian Tamil community, especially
those who chose Ontario as their home, as you observe this solemn occasion.”
Sincerely,
Tim Hudak
Leader
Ontario PCs
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By Admin - May 9th, 2014
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On Sunday May 11th 2014, Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto Centre, Minister Glen Murray will host the forth annual tree planting session to remember the victims of the Tamil genocide. On July 23rd 2011, Minister Glen Murray planted a Canadian maple tree alongside a memorial stone at the Evergreen tree plantation site in Toronto to mark the twenty eighth year since the July 1983 massacre of Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka. Through this plantation, Murray showed his solidarity with the Tamil community in its grievances of lost lives. The trees will promote an environmentally friendly atmosphere in Canada while serving as a monumental reminder of the Tamil genocide.
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By Admin - May 6th, 2014
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Written By: TYO- Canada
On Saturday May 10th, 2014, Tamil Youth Organization – Canada will be hosting its 3rd Annual Ilanthalir show. Ilanthalir translates to “young sprouts” and through this theatrical performance; the artists will lead the audience through a story illustrating the vision of Tamileelam.
Ilanthalir enables Canadian Tamil youth to pursue the art of storytelling through the performing arts. By upholding our Tamil identity, these youth are determined to bring you a captivating performance that is sure to awaken and revitalize your inner consciences.
Through this show, our youth will exhilarate your minds and bring you beauty that has never been seen before. While we may be miles away from our homeland, these youth will walk you through history and remind you that our purpose is beyond ours alone. The beauty of Tamileelam will surface before your eyes and revive thoughts that we often forget we have. The love for identity, culture, language, dance, and homeland will be reawakened by our very own youth. Let them teach and remind you about our precious background, and about our destined future.
“For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.”
– Elie Wiesel
The genocide that has been perpetrated on the people of Tamileelam is one that is apparent as night and day. Its occurrence is real, and cannot be veiled. Throughout our history, we have seen continuous genocidal tactics employed against the indigenous Tamil people of the island, and we need to bring this to light. While the Sri Lankan government may assume that it is eliminating the future children of Tamileelam by coercing contraceptive methods on women of Tamileelam, through Ilanthalir, you will see that passion and determination know no boundaries. The government may try to resettle people on our land, but no amount of cover-ups can prevent the truth from leaking out. Love for identity and culture does not end within state borders, just as identity cannot be erased without consent. Our youth are determined to show you that genocide is preventable, and that we cannot allow genocide denial to take place.
Through Ilanthalir, Canadian Tamil youth will not only revisit the grace of our homeland, but through their artistic performance, they will also give you faith in justice. While we may no longer have the same rich library to share our stories, we do have the voices of our youth to articulate the rich culture of our homeland.
Come out on May 10th and let Canadian Tamil Youth reawaken your inner consciences. Watch this artistic revolution that is sure to make you feel proud of our ethnic essence. Let our youth elevate your experience of Tamileelam through bold performances, dance, music, and ethnic storytelling.
Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/765113550166060/
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April 14th, 2014
April 14, 2014 –
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced that Canada will suspend its voluntary contribution to the Commonwealth Secretariat and reallocate the funds for the next two years.
“As host of the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and current Chair in Office, Sri Lanka has a duty to take meaningful action on human rights, political reconciliation and accountability. However, Sri Lanka has failed to realize progress on any of these issues,” said Baird. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada took a strong and principled stand in not attending the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo, and today’s announcement is an extension of that leadership.
“As Prime Minister Harper has stated, Canada believes that if the Commonwealth is to remain relevant it must stand in defence of the basic principles of freedom, democracy and respect for human dignity, which are the very foundations upon which the Commonwealth was built,” said Baird. “This decision was not taken lightly. We can no longer justify providing additional funding to an organization that turns a blind eye to human rights abuses, anti-democratic behaviour and religious intolerance in its member states.”
While Sri Lanka is Chair in Office, Canada’s $10-million annual voluntary Commonwealth contribution will instead go for two years toward supporting initiatives that espouse the Commonwealth’s values and help to deliver results for those who need them the most.
“Canada remains deeply concerned about the absence of accountability for alleged serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian standards in Sri Lanka,” said Baird. “We will reallocate the funds to assist in combatting the practice of child, early and forced marriage, and help Commonwealth civil society advance the promotion of human rights. Canada will continue to work with its partners to uphold the Commonwealth’s core values, which are cherished by all Canadians.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada
Source:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/04/14c.aspx
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By Admin - April 12th, 2014
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“Epiphany” – Kalvi Connections ~ Youth – Talent – Charity
Canadian-Tamil Youth In Support Of Kalvi Connections
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela
As youth living in Canada, we are extremely privileged to be able to pursue our dreams, goals and aspirations through education. We realize that many across the world are unable to receive the gift of education.Join our own Canadian-Tamil Youth as they perform in there very own production called “Epiphany”. Epiphany is an theatrical event put together by youth to support the building dreams of other youth, who may experience barriers in achieving their educational goals. An event filled with drama, dancing, singing and more!
Come join us on April 12th, 2014 @Middlefield C.I.
525 Highglen Avenue Markham, Ontario L3S 3L
For a fun-filled night of entertainment showcasing rising talents from across the GTA!
All proceeds from the event will go to KALVI CONNECTIONS. Kalvi Connections is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to students around the world to further their education goals. Kalvi Connections aims to promote, develop, and foster an interest in furthering the educational aspirations of youth.To learn more about Kalvi Connections please visit: www.kalvi.ca or visit facebook page Kalvi Connections
For Ticket Information Contact:
Geetha – (416)-841-2855
Garishan Ravishankar – (647)-221-3854
You can check out our event Facebook for more info.
https://www.facebook.com/events/446539795477320/
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