Tamil Eelam flags fly high in Canada and UK

by Thusiyan
Nov 22, 2023

Events were held in Canada and the UK on Tuesday to mark Tamil Eelam national flag day, an initiative that was started in 2021 to honour the Tamil Eelam flag.

In Canada, the Mayor and Ajax Council of Ajax officially recognised the day as Tamil Flag Day, whilst in Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown led a ceremony at the town hall where the Tamil Eelam flag was flown.

“Today and every day, we celebrate the resilience of the Tamil community and the contributions that Canadian Tamils have made in enriching our communities in Brampton and across the country,” said Brown. “We will never forget the atrocities and human rights abuses of the Tamil genocide. We celebrate the resilience of the Tamil community.”

“I am honoured to represent and support our Tamil community,” said Shaun Collier, Mayor of Ajax.

Leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Jagmeet Singh released a statement, saying  the day “honours the history and culture of the Tamil community, in Canada and abroad” and “provides an occasion to acknowledge the brutal genocide that Tamils in Sri Lanka have experienced for decades.

Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament for Brampton North, said that “it is with great honor that I acknowledge the significance of this day in celebrating the rich cultural heritage and the resilience of the Tamil community”.

“The Tamil National Flag Day stands as a powerful symbol of unity, strength, and the aspirations of the Tamil people worldwide. It is an occasion that reminds us of the invaluable contributions, sacrifices, and the journey of the Tamil community in preserving their cultural identity and fostering unity.”

Mayor David West of the City of Richmond Hill, said “it is an honour to join you in recognizing this important celebration of Tamil heritage, culture, and values”.

“It is essential that we acknowledge the resilience and determination of Canadian Tamils and extend our gratitude for the many gifts they have given to our communities, enriching and enhancing our diversity here in Richmond Hill and across Canada.”

Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erin Mills, Iqra Khalid, said “over generations, Tamil Canadians have built their lives here and made immense contributions to our culture, economy, and society”.

“Today, communities raise the Tamil flag to commemorate the rich history and culture of Tamil people in Canada and around the world, as well as our ongoing commitment to human rights and cultural diversity.”

Shaun Chen, Member of Parliament for Scarborough North, said the day “is an important opportunity to commemorate the culture and heritage of the Tamil Canadian community as they light ceremonial oil candles, participate in a flag raising ceremony, and honour the struggles and sacrifices of Tamil people in Canada and around the world”.

He also released a video statement below.

Shafqat Ali, Member of Parliament Brampton Centre, said he was “deeply committed to supporting and advocating for the rich cultural diversity of our community”.

“On this significant day, I stand in solidarity with the Tamil community and express my deepest respect for the resilience and vibrancy you bring to Brampton Centre and beyond.”

Member of Provincial Parliament for Markham-Thornhill, Logan Kanapathi, said the “Tamil National Flag stands as a powerful symbol, encapsulating the enduring spirit of the Tamils and their unwavering pursuit of freedom, sovereignty, and the right to self-determination”.

“The celebration of Tamil Flag Day offers a valuable opportunity for reflection on Tamil heritage, culture, and the ongoing quest for human rights.”

City of Whitby’s Mayor Elizabeth Roy also released a video statement to mark the occasion.

In London, an event was held in Trafalgar Square by Tamil activists to mark the occasion.

The initiative was started by the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) in 2021 as a way to commemorate and celebrate the Tamil Eelam flag.

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