Canadian High Commissioner Eric Walsh has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting reconstruction in the North-East, following a series of meetings with local leaders and government representatives in Jaffna.
Walsh met this week with National People’s Power (NPP) MPs for Jaffna - J. Rajeevan, Sripavanandarajah, and K. Ilankumaran - as well as the Governor and the Mayor of Jaffna, to discuss the region’s social, economic, and political challenges.
Canada stands ready to extend all possible cooperation towards the reconstruction of the war affected Northern and Eastern provinces, he assured the MPs.
The meeting in Jaffna covered a range of critical issues, including unresolved land disputes, proposed Northern investment zones, and the current living conditions of local communities.
The MPs reportedly expressed confidence that the NPP can offer viable solutions to the political, economic, and social issues faced by the Tamil people.
They also appealed for Canada’s support for rebuilding initiatives in the North-East. In response, the High Commissioner emphasised the distinct character of the current Sri Lankan administration, apparently stating that the president Anura Kumara Dissanayake “”.
Discussions also touched on harnessing diaspora investment, particularly from Tamils in Canada, to support regional development. The MPs highlighted a Canada-supported programme targeting female headed households in the Northern Province, stressing that collaboration with the Sri Lankan government would be essential to its success.
As Walsh’s tenure concludes this month, Jaffna’s NPP members expressed their gratitude for his efforts throughout his service.
During his visit, the High Commissioner also met with women leaders in business and politics and visited the new office of the Jaffna Transgender Network, underlining Canada’s emphasis on inclusion as a “powerful force for positive change.”
As part of his ongoing visit to Northern Province, @AmbEricWalsh met with women in leadership roles in business and politics and also visited the new office of the Jaffna Transgender Network. Canada is committed to supporting inclusion as as powerful force for positive change. pic.twitter.com/7KG67fJad1
— Canada in Sri Lanka and Maldives (@CanHCSriLanka) July 17, 2025
