Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Jolly says that Canada is working to gather G7 countries to further impose sanctions on former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and two other military officers.
Recently, Canada imposed sanctions on four people, including the former presidents, accusing them of human rights violations during the civil conflict in Sri Lanka, and she mentioned this in an interview with a Tamil media channel.
Question – “There is still no clear idea about the reason and timeline for the sanctions imposed on four Sri Lankans on January 10.”
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Jolly,
“We had taken measures in this regard for a certain period and were also attentive to the implementation of justice. Canada always works to protect human rights. Also, Canada has been working to question accountability internationally for many years. If there is a question of accountability then there is no international legal enforcement. That is why we have decided to impose strong sanctions on the Rajapaksa brothers and others.”
“Through this, their assets in Canada will be banned and they will not be allowed to enter Canada. Also, our aim is to motivate the G7 countries to take such steps.”
Question – “The members of the G7 countries have more advantage by working to solve the problems of countries like Ukraine than addressing the problems of Sri Lanka. What impact will persuading G7 members on this issue have?”
Answer – “That is my goal. I draw their attention. The Tamil community in Sri Lanka knows that this is the problem. They know that in order to achieve peace, the truth must be pointed out.”