November 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, met yesterday (24) with Canada’s High Commissioner in Colombo, Isabelle Catherine Martin, for what officials described as a “frank and constructive” exchange on matters affecting bilateral relations.
During the conversation, Minister Herath called on Canada to take firmer steps to prevent groups operating on Canadian soil from promoting separatist narratives linked to Sri Lanka’s past conflict.
He emphasised that the public display of LTTE-related symbols and activities that inflame ethnic tensions run counter to the government’s ongoing efforts to reinforce national cohesion.
Herath reportedly noted that certain diaspora factions in Canada continue to engage in campaigns that undermine reconciliation initiatives in Sri Lanka, adding that such conduct risks sowing discord both at home and abroad.
High Commissioner Martin, for her part, reiterated that the LTTE remains a proscribed organisation under Canadian law and that the federal government does not endorse any emblem, event, or rhetoric associated with separatist agendas.
She reaffirmed Canada’s support for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while expressing readiness to continue dialogue on issues affecting both nations, according to the Foreign Ministry.
