Gruesome Murder of Canadian Citizen in Sri Lanka

May 17th 2012

Gruesome Murder of Canadian Citizen in Sri Lanka

The Canadian Tamil Congress is dismayed by the tragic murder of Mr. Antonipillai Mahendrarajah, a Canadian citizen who was visiting Sri Lanka. Mr. Mahendrajah had travelled to Sri Lanka to reclaim his familial property located in the town of Killinochi, an area formerly controlled by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). After the end of the armed conflict, Mr. Mahendrajah learned that the Sri Lankan security forces had taken over possession of his ancestral property and went to Killinochi to reclaim it. However, on the night of May 3rd, Mr. Mahendrarajah was forcibly taken from his residence. The next day his mutilated body was found in a nearby lane.

Mr. Mahendrarajah was murdered in a highly militarized zone, heavily guarded by the Sri Lankan military. The Government of Sri Lanka has repeatedly failed to investigate atrocious crimes committed against its minority Tamils and the culture of impunity remains intact. In such circumstances, the Canadian Tamil Congress calls for a high level inquiry, coordinated with the Canadian High Commission, to investigate how this gruesome murder could have taken place in a heavily militarized zone. The Sri Lankan government has often proclaimed that life is starting to normalize for Sri Lankans after the military defeat of the LTTE in May 2009. However, this shocking murder of a Canadian citizen is indicative of the human rights abuses that still remain a facet of life for Tamils in Sri Lanka. The International Crisis Group recently stated that "Instead of giving way to a process of inclusive, accountable development, the military is increasing its economic role, controlling land and seemingly establishing itself as a permanent, occupying presence" in Sri Lanka's North.

This incident demonstrates that Sri Lanka not only continues to be an unsafe place for Tamils living in Sri Lanka, but the country can be dangerous for Canadians traveling to Sri Lanka. The Canadian Tamil Congress would like to caution all Canadians to be highly aware and cautious of their safety if they choose to travel to Sri Lanka.

“Mr. Mahendrarajah’s Canadian passport was not able to protect him from the violence that he was subjected to on Sri Lankan soil,” said David Poopalapillai, National Spokesperson for the Canadian Tamil Congress. “We urge the Canadian government to utilize all diplomatic means to compel the Sri Lankan authorities to promptly investigate this murder of a Canadian citizen, bring those responsible for this horrendous act to justice, and provide compensatory measures to their affected family members in Canada.”

The Canadian Tamil Congress wishes to provide our deepest sympathies for the family of Mr. Mahendrarajah. Mr. Mahendrarajah’s remains have been repatriated to Montreal, Canada, and details of the funeral service are as follows:

Viewing details: Friday May 18th, 2012 Time: 5:00pm- 9:00 pm Rideau Memorial Gardens 4275 Boul des Sources Dollard des Ormeaux Roxboro, QC H9B 2A6 (514) 685-3344

Funeral details: Saturday May 19th, 2012 Viewing Time: 9:00 am- 10:00 am Funeral Service: 10:00 am St. Thomas A Becket 4320 Sainte-Anne Rue Pierrefonds, QC H9H 4Y7 (514) 626-4111

Burial Service- Following Church service Lakeview Memorial Gardens 701 Donegani Pointe Claire, QC H9R 5G6 (514) 694- 9294

For more information please contact, Canadian Tamil Congress at (416) 240-0078

Published on: 05/16/12 22:29