Members of the public and elected officials are increasing pressure on the chief of one of Canada's largest police forces to apologize for a meeting with Sri Lanka's Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, as reported by Global Media of Canada.
Tamil Canadians, including Toronto city councillor Parthi Kandavel, have expressed deep dismay over the visit, labeling it as "deeply upsetting to all Canadians."
Nishan Duraiappah, Chief of Peel Regional Police, serving Mississauga, Brampton, and Pearson airport, recently traveled to Sri Lanka, his country of birth, on what was described by Peel as a "personal trip."
Published photos from Sri Lankan media depict Duraiappah alongside IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon on Dec 29, 2023, in Colombo.
Concerns escalated after Sri Lanka's Supreme Court implicated Tennakoon in the brutal arrest and torture of an individual two weeks prior to the meeting.
"Tamil Canadians are hurt and demand a full and clear apology for this trip," emphasized Kandavel. He stressed the need for an explanation, questioning Duraiappah's judgment.
Despite requests, Duraiappah declined interviews and did not address inquiries about the meeting.
A spokesperson for Peel Regional Police stated that Duraiappah had discussed the visit with Global Affairs Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) beforehand. However, both agencies denied organizing the visit, with the RCMP informing Duraiappah about the Supreme Court ruling against Tennakoon in advance.
Ram Selvarajah, President of the Peel Regional Labour Council, urged the Police Board to take action, stating that Duraiappah's actions have offended a significant portion of the community.
Critics, including criminal defense lawyer Krisna Saravanamuttu, characterized the meeting as a mistake requiring accountability. Saravanamuttu questioned Duraiappah's silence and the lack of response to community concerns.
While Peel Regional Police asserted there is no ongoing collaboration with organizations in Sri Lanka, Saravanamuttu demanded assurances that no relationship would exist, citing concerns over state violence experienced by Tamil community members.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recently expressed deep concerns about reports of abductions, unlawful detention, and torture by Sri Lankan police, condemning Tennakoon's appointment and underscoring the need for reform.
Toronto District School Board trustee Yalini Rajakulasingam labeled the meeting as unacceptable, asserting it undermines efforts to honor Tamil victims of the conflict. She highlighted the significance of commemorations like Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day and the construction of a monument in Brampton to memorialize those who perished in the war.
Rajakulasingam questioned the message conveyed by Duraiappah's actions to Tamil activists and survivors worldwide, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and respecting their efforts.
