The final stage of genocide is the destruction of memory

The final stage of genocide is the destruction of memory, the denial of wrongdoing, and the burial of evidence. - MPP Vijay Thanigasalam's statement today.

The Tamil Genocide Mullivaikkal Memorial Monument in the University of Jaffna, a monument that honours the hundreds of thousands of Tamil people who were massacred in 2009 by the Sri Lankan state, was being bulldozed by the Sri Lankan authorities earlier today.

This Memorial Monument held great significance for Tamil students, as it was a way to honour their loved ones who perished in the genocide, and offered a place of remembrance and healing. Destroying the Tamil Genocide Memorial Monument is a way to erase the memory of Mullivaikal, and eradicate any evidence of wrong-doing by the Sri-Lankan state.
“When I see the events of today, I am taken back to the destroying of the Jaffna Public Library on May 31st 1981. The Jaffna Public Library was home to ancient Tamil literature works and stood as a symbol for Tamil culture and heritage. This library was set ablaze by the Sri Lankan state apparatus at that time.” reflected Karthick Nanthakumar, a business owner and resident from Scarborough Rouge Park.
Monuments, tombstones and statues have long been created to help people grieve and honour those who have perished. By destroying this monument, it shows disregard for the victims, and inflicts great pain and trauma to the Tamil community.
The final stage of genocide is the destruction of memory, the denial of wrongdoing, and the burial of evidence. “Memoricide” a term coined by Mirko Grmek, is something regimes engage in to eliminate the “dark periods” of history, and so to speak, rewrite history. In order to facilitate this, memorials and remembrance ceremonies are disallowed, and the history of what happened is erased or minimized. As this monument is evidence of the atrocities committed by the Sri-Lankan state, it has been intentionally targeted.
Another resident of Scarborough Rouge Park and healthcare professional, Thivya Shanthakumar said in dismay, “first, there was an increased militarization in the North East, and then Sri Lankan authorities tried to stop the Tamil people from commemorating their loved ones, and today, they are destroying monuments that symbolize and honour the innocent lives that were lost in in the genocide by the Sri Lankan state.”
The Sri Lankan state continues to deny the Tamil genocide. This has left many Tamils unable to heal, and move forward. This is why Bill 104 - Tamil Genocide Education Week Act is even more necessary. This bill would help towards healing the trauma caused by the genocide for the Tamil people in Ontario.
At this time, I also urge our Canadian government to intervene and to ensure the safety of the Jaffna University students.

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