Canada imposes sanctions on Gotabaya, Mahinda and 2 others

Canada has imposed sanctions on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lieutenant Commander Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi.

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs M?lanie Joly said that Canada imposed targeted sanctions under regulations pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act against the four Sri Lankan state officials responsible for gross and systematic violations of human rights during armed conflict in Sri Lanka, which occurred from 1983 to 2009.

The regulations pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act impose on listed persons a dealings prohibition, which would effectively freeze any assets they may hold in Canada and render them inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

?Over the past four decades, the people of Sri Lanka have suffered a great deal due to the armed conflict, economic and political instability, and gross violations of human rights.? Canada is steadfast in its support to attain peace, reconciliation, justice and accountability on the island.? Canada has taken decisive action today to end international impunity against violators of international law. Canada stands ready to support Sri Lanka?s path to peace, inclusion and prosperity through the advancement of accountability, reconciliation and human rights, including international assistance to address the domestic crisis,? Minister of Foreign Affairs M?lanie Joly said.

Despite continued calls from Canada and the international community to address accountability, the Government of Sri Lanka has taken limited meaningful and concrete action to uphold its human rights obligations. This jeopardizes progress on justice for affected populations, and prospects for peace and reconciliation.

“Victims and survivors of gross human rights violations deserve justice. That is why Canada continues to call on Sri Lanka to fulfill its commitment to establish a meaningful accountability process,” the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

These sanctions send a clear message that Canada will not accept continued impunity for those that have committed gross human rights violations in Sri Lanka.

Canada will continue to collaborate alongside international partners, including through relevant multilateral bodies to advocate for human rights and accountability in Sri Lanka, which is an important step toward securing a safe, peaceful and inclusive future for the country.

Canada, as part of the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council will continue to advocate for the full implementation of resolution 51/1 and support efforts towards attaining accountability and peace on the island.

Canada says it supports efforts towards urgent political and economic reforms to alleviate the hardships faced by the people in Sri Lanka. (Colombo Gazette)