Pressure is mounting on Nishan Duraiappah, the Chief of Peel Regional Police in Ontario, to issue an apology following his controversial meeting with Deshabandu Tennakoon, the Inspector General of Sri Lanka’s police, who is implicated in acts of torture. The meeting, which took place during Duraiappah’s personal trip to Sri Lanka, has sparked significant backlash from the Tamil Canadian community, including strong reactions from local leaders and activists.
Toronto city councillor Parthi Kandavel described the meeting as “deeply upsetting” to all Canadians, emphasizing the negative impact on the Tamil community. The incident has raised questions about Duraiappah’s judgment, with calls for a full explanation and apology.
The controversy intensified following revelations that Tennakoon had been involved in the brutal arrest and torture of an individual just weeks before the meeting, a fact established by Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court.
Despite prior warnings about Tennakoon’s actions from Global Affairs Canada and the RCMP, Duraiappah proceeded with the visit, which included a photo session at the Sri Lankan police headquarters.
Community leaders like Ram Selvarajah and Toronto District School Board trustee Yalini Rajakulasingam have voiced their disappointment and concern, stating that Duraiappah’s actions do not reflect the values of their communities. They have called for accountability and assurances that no collaborations with Sri Lankan police forces are underway or planned.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing human rights concerns in Sri Lanka, as noted by UN Human Rights Council commissioner Volker Türk, who has expressed alarm over reports of continued police abuses in the country.
As the community awaits further actions, the incident underscores the complex interplay of international relations and local community dynamics, highlighting the broader implications of such meetings for community trust and police accountability.
Community Response: A section of the Sri Lankan Diaspora in Canada mainly of Tamil origin and human rights advocates continue to demand clear actions from the Peel Regional Police Board and expect measures that will prevent any future associations that might undermine community trust or condone international human rights violations.
