In a spectacular show at short notice, more than 75,000 Canadian Tamils spontaneously gathered at
It was in fact a response to the oppressive policies of the International Community against Eelam Tamil nationalism, observers said.
The Pongu Thamil declaration at the gathering included seeking International Community recognising Tamil nationalism, Tamil homeland and self determination of Tamils; Canada to reverse the decision on the ban of LTTE and the World Tamil Movement and urging the IC, including Canada, to put an immediate end to the genocide of the Tamils by applying military, economic and diplomatic sanctions against Sri Lanka.
The key speaker for the event was
The event started at 3:00 p.m. by ceremonious lighting of lamps by Paramu Visaaladchi, the mother of the late S.P. Thamilchelvan, former political head of the LTTE and Sukunam Pararajasingham, the wife of the late Joseph Pararajasingam, TNA parliamentarian from Batticaloa.
The venue was turned into a sea of red and yellow flags and balloons, while motorists trying to reach the site of the rally clogged many of the main roads.
The time and venue of the event was announced only by 6:00 p.m. on the previous day, to prevent sabotage by the agents of the Government of Sri Lanka, according to the organisers.
The rough estimate of Eelam Tamil population in
"It was compelling realities that made every fourth person to think it as his or her duty to attend the rally. There is enough message for the International Community to read," said the organisers.
