(COLOMBO) – Sri Lanka has expressed deep concern over high-level pronouncements made in Canada in recent years representing a false narrative of genocide in connection with the conflict that took place in the island-nation and urged Toronto to engage with Colombo in a constructive manner and facilitate dialogue and reconciliation.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijeywardene made these observations during a meeting this week with Canadian Deputy Minister for International Development Christopher MacLennan, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
MacLennan noted Sri Lanka’s progress on reform and recovery and expressed Canada’s intention to work together with Sri Lanka, one of Canada’s important development partners, on the path towards economic growth. He indicated Canada’s interest in collaborating with Sri Lanka on areas of common interest such as climate change, energy transition, debt restructuring, trade and reconciliation.
While noting Sri Lanka’s serious objections regarding political statements involving allegations of genocide, the Deputy Minister said that Sri Lanka’s message will be conveyed to relevant authorities in Canada. He appreciated Sri Lanka’s efforts at reconciliation and expressed Canada’s hope for progress, the statement added.
Foreign Secretary Wijewardane briefed Deputy Minister MacLennan on the significant progress made by Sri Lanka on economic stabilisation and the high priority placed by the Government on economic diplomacy as the country moves towards revenue generation and growth. These efforts run parallel to the Government’s efforts at promoting peace and reconciliation, the statement concluded.
