May 2014 will mark the fifth anniversary of the very tragic and traumatic events that took place in Sri Lanka. Leading up to May 19, 2009, tens of thousands of people lost their lives. Many Tamil Canadians, including the Tamils living in our city, lost family members during the violent events which has left a painful indelible scar in our hearts. During the month of May every year from 2009, all Tamils world over remember with deep sorrow the victims who lost their lives and those who were maimed during this dark period in our history.

A WEEK OF REMEMBRANCE - MAY 11, 2014 to MAY 18, 2014

Tamil organizations in Ottawa listed below call for observance of a week of remembrance between
May 11, 2014 and May 18, 2014 to remember those who lost their lives and pray for peace and closure for those who have lost loved ones.

CITY OF OTTAWA PROCLAMATION

Same as in 2013, the Mayor of Ottawa proclaimed the week of May 11, 2014 to May 18, 2014 as a week of remembrance for war victims in Sri Lanka.

REMEMBRANCE EVENT - WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

Similar to last two years, we are conducting a multi-faith prayer remembrance event during the week of observance and request your participation at the event.

This year's remembrance event will be held on the Wednesday, 14th of May, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the Barrhaven Walter Baker Centre. In addition to the multi-faith prayer to remember the victims, we will also fast before the event to recognize the suffering the people endured and break the fast at the end of the event by drinking water or juice. (Learn more)

RECOGNIZING THE SUFFERING ENDURED BY THE VICTIMS

As a way of giving back to the community and recognizing the suffering endured by the victims of May 2009, we are encouraging the community to donate blood, sign up for organ donation, join the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network and donate to local charities.

During this year's remembrance event on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, representatives from the Canadian Blood Services will be available at the event to answer questions. We will also collect cash donations that will be handed over to the Shepherds of Good Hope.

REMEMBRANCE BUTTON

The 'May 2009 Remembrance Button' is our official button of the remembrance of the victims. We ask and encourage our members and the fellow citizens of this city to wear the button during the remembrance week as a sign of remembrance. Please contact NCRTA at 613-454-5763 to obtain your button. (Learn more)