Mujibur slams FM over remarks on Canadian PM

SJB Deputy General Secretary 

Mujibur Rahman 

• Says Sabry’s statement claiming Canada is a haven for terrorists is serious and concerning 
• Questions Minister Ali Sabry’s suitability for diplomatic roles 
• Claims Sabry’s statement may impact SL’s progress and diplomatic efforts amidst crisis 

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Deputy General Secretary Mujibur Rahman slammed Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry yesterday over his recent remarks regarding Canada and the country’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

Speaking at a press conference held at the opposition leader’s office, Mujibur emphasised that Sabry’s assertion that Canada serves as a safe haven for terrorists is a serious and concerning statement.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Sabry had claimed that terrorists had sought refuge in Canada, and he criticised Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for making unsubstantiated allegations against India.

“The same thing they did for Sri Lanka, a terrible, total lie saying that Sri Lanka had a genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country,” Sabry had said.

According to Rahman, there is now a legitimate question about Sabry’s suitability for diplomatic roles. “His involvement in the Canada-India diplomatic row raises concerns. Given our country’s stance of maintaining a non-aligned foreign policy, such statements have repercussions for us,” he noted. 

“The Government has previously expressed the need for assistance from other countries to come out of the current economic crisis. Canada is a member of the G7 group, and the President has engaged with the leaders representing it. However, the recent characterisation of Canada as a ‘haven for terrorists’ by the Foreign Minister has introduced a challenging dynamic. How will Sri Lanka move forward and receive much-needed support?” he asked. 

Rahman pointed out that many Sri Lankans are now domiciled in Canada and therefore the Foreign Minister should have exercised greater caution when making statements of this nature.

According to Rahman, such statements from our country’s Foreign Minister during a period when the Government is asserting the necessity of seeking assistance from other nations for the country’s recovery can impact the nation’s progress and diplomatic efforts.