Sri Lanka Consulate General in Toronto participated at the Annual Chariot Festival of the Sri Varasiththi Vinaayagar Hindu Temple on 23^rd July 2022 at the invitation extended by the Chief Priest and the Board of Trustees of the Hindu Temple.

The festival was attended by more than 10,000 Sri Lankan Canadian Tamils including high-profile business community representing a cross section of their population. Also, the festival was attended by several Canadian provincial political dignitaries and senior officials of the public and private sector of Canada. The Canadian political leaders highly commended the contribution of the Sri Lankan Canadian Tamils towards cultural diversity and socio-economic development of Canada. They highlighted that Canada has become home to the largest Sri Lanka expatriate Tamil population in the world.

This festival reflected the broadening space in the moderate Tamil community for a welcoming engagement with Sri Lanka. This moderate Canadian Tamil segment of the population mainly represents academics, professionals, and high-profile business community. They have shown interest for increasing presence in Sri Lanka in the economic development. There is a growing trend of submitting dual citizen applications by this segment having prospects for broader engagement in Sri Lanka. The Consulate General in Toronto is providing consular services for an increasing number of Sri Lankan Canadian Tamil community and representing their social, cultural and community events. Sri Lanka may utilize this platform and the political force to strengthen the reconciliation efforts of Sri Lanka through some constructive engagements on a clear roadmap.

Consulate General of Sri Lanka

Toronto

26^th July, 2022