Tamil genocide memorial vandalized twice since Brampton unveiling

Just weeks after its unveiling, a Tamil genocide memorial in Brampton has been vandalized twice.

Peel Regional Police have confirmed one of the incidents, and two people now face criminal charges.

It was just last month that the Tamil Genocide Monument in Chinguacousy Park was officially dedicated after several years of planning that was plagued by controversy over the long-simmering ethnic conflicts that have split the Sri Lankan community.

At issue is the interpretation of what has transpired between the ethnic Tamil population and the government of the South Asian country that is backed by the majority Sinhala population.

The United Nations says up to 100,000 Tamils have been killed by rivals since the 1950s, forcing up to one million people to flee their homeland. The government of Sri Lanka has denied that this has happened and has officially objected to the monument.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has been steadfast in his support of the Tamils, going so far as to say that those who deny that ethnic cleansing took place in Sri Lanka will be ignored.

“Genocide deniers, you are not welcome in Brampton, you are not welcome in Canada. Go back to Colombo (the capital of Sri Lanka),” Brown told the crowd at the memorial unveiling.

On social media posts, the National Council of Canadian Tamils (NCCT), which now has ownership of the monument, stated that vandalism occurred at the site on May 27 and again on June 15. In each case, the lighting fixtures used to illuminate the memorial were destroyed.

“This deliberate and reprehensible act of desecration not only disrespects the memory of the victims of the Tamil Genocide but also undermines the values of truth, reconciliation, and mutual respect that are foundational to our diverse Canadian society,” a statement by the NCCT reads.

Peel Police said officers went to the site on June and discovered the damage. Later, they arrested and charged two men with mischief over $5000.

“The investigation is ongoing. One party is still outstanding,” said police.

Police have not released the names of those who have been charged.

Tamil Genocide Monument in Chinguacousy Park