Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day – தமிழின அழிப்பு நினைவு நாள் – May 18, 2026 Ottawa
April 21, 2026 —
On May 18, 2026, we observe Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day to honour the memory of tens of thousands of Tamils who were killed, disappeared, or subjected to unimaginable suffering during Sri Lanka’s decades-long genocide against the Tamil people.
This day serves as a solemn reminder of the genocide committed against the Tamil people by the Sri Lankan state — including mass shelling of civilian areas, denial of food and medicine, sexual violence, and enforced disappearances. A booklet titled Justice for Sri Lanka’s Genocide Against Tamils was released in 2024, with ongoing community-driven research continuing to document these crimes.
Seventeen years after the genocide in 2009, many families continue to search for their loved ones, and the Tamil community persists in its quest for truth, justice, and accountability.
Event Details
Date: Monday, May 18, 2026
Time: 7:15 PM
Location: Walter Baker Sports Center, Food Court
100 Malvern Drive, Nepean, ON
Date: Monday, May 18, 2026
Time: 7:15 PM
Location: Walter Baker Sports Center, Food Court
100 Malvern Drive, Nepean, ON
A ceremony will include the traditional lighting of a lamp (thamil vilakku), symbolizing Tamil resilience and hope. Traditional Mullivaikkal Kanji will also be served, commemorating the suffering and unbreakable spirit of the Tamil people who rose up to fight for justice and dignity.
In 2022, the Canadian Parliament unanimously recognized the Genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka and established May 18 of each year as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. On May 18, 2023, the Prime Minister of Canada issued the first official statement marking the day, with support from all party leaders and parliamentarians. Additionally, the Government of Ontario passed the Tamil Genocide Education Week Act, proclaiming the seven-day period ending on May 18 each year as Tamil Genocide Education Week.
A ceremony of holding a lamp, as a symbol of Tamil resilience, will take place. Mullivaikkal Kanji will be provided as it marks a moment in the history of Tamil people who were forced to rise up and fight for justice and for a life of dignity.
The community is invited to join this gathering to remember the victims, light candles in their memory, reflect on the ongoing struggle for justice, and stand in solidarity with survivors and their families. May 18 is now officially recognized by the Canadian Parliament as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. We thank all levels of government in Canada that have taken steps toward recognition and accountability.