Dear All,

Over 40 years, the Sri Lanka Canada Association of Ottawa (registered not for profit) has been organizing various cultural activities with the graceful presence of many distinguished representatives from the Government and non-governmental bodies. Over the last five years, we received over 20 letters of congratulations from many Government representatives including Hon. Justin Trudeau, Hon. Stephan Harper and Hon. Kathleen Wynne.

There have been Sri Lankans immigrants since the 1940s in Canada. However documented organizations date back to 1970s.  Over the last documented 40- 30 years, Ottawa and other cities including Toronto, Montreal, PEI and Calgary also have been organizing many cultural events in April to signify Aluthavurudu (aka New Year) celebrations with the presence of many distinguished guests.

Over the last 60-70 years, naturalized immigrants from Sri Lanka have made Canada their home and contributed significantly to the economy, to the political landscape, to the social and cultural landscape of Canada. There are many successful, business owners providing jobs to thousands , many in the education field educating in various levels of educational institutions, many in the healthcare field looking after Canadians and many other professions contributing to the growth of Canada.

Links between Canada and Sri Lanka expanded after its Independence in 1948. One of the earliest gifts from Canada was  fourteen train locomotives to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), after a visit by the Hon. Lester Pearson  in 1956. These locomotives are named after the Canadian provinces, Manitoba, Alberta and so on. The international airport at Katunayake was also part of Canadian aid in the 1960s.  One of the largest Canadian projects was the $100 million contribution towards the construction of the Maduru Oya dam within the Mahaweli project. A high watermark of Sri Lanka's links was the visit of Prime Minster Pierre Eliot Trudeau in 1971.

Sri Lankan heritage month is such an important aspect for Canadian-Sri Lankans to celebrate and recognize Sri Lankans of all ethnicities in Canada and their contributions to our society. Over the many years, there have been many that worked tirelessly to instill Sri Lankan culture as well as shared Canadian values to our future generations.

Without any reservation we kindly request all Canadians and all friends and their family members of Sri Lanka, to sign this petition in support of a great cause to help preserve shared Sri Lankan values of language, peace with all, rich culture and unity among current and future generations to celebrate Sri Lankan culture in the month of April.

Thank you!

Executive Committee - SLCAO