NDP calls for accountability in Sri Lanka

New Democrats have proposed a parliamentary motion calling for an immediate independent and international investigation of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Sri Lankan civil war.

The motion was introduced by NDP Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) and seconded by NDP MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan (Scarborough-Rouge River).

“The Sri Lankan government has been given numerous opportunities to commit to an impartial investigation of these alleged crimes,” said Dewar. “I call on the Government of Canada to support our NDP motion and stand with victims and their families who deserve justice.”

A UN panel of experts reported in 2011 that 40,000 civilians may have died amidst indiscriminate shelling by the Sri Lankan army. Yet the Sri Lankan government has refused to cooperate with any international investigation into these events.

“Given the Sri Lankan government’s failure of accountability, it’s time for Members of Parliament from all parties to stand up for justice in Sri Lanka and demand this immediate investigation,” added Sitsabaiesan.

The proposed motion reads:

That this House note the allegations that war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed during the Sri Lankan civil war, and call for an immediate independent and international investigation to determine the truth about these events.