Tamil and Sinhalese Canadians Continue Efforts for Unity by Planting Trees

Toronto – On June 12, 2011, Sri Lankans Without Borders will run its second consecutive “Roots for Reconciliation” event, where Sinhalese and Tamil Canadians will join together with Evergreen to plant trees and lay roots at Downsview Park.

The decades-long conflict in Sri Lanka has strained the relationship between the Sinhalese and Tamil diaspora communities in Canada and opportunities for productive joint initiatives remain scarce. However, with the conclusion of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka reaching its second year, there is renewed interest amongst Tamil and Sinhalese Canadians to begin genuine and recuperative intercommunal initiatives that will help bridge the gulf that exists in the diaspora community in Canada.

Sri Lankans Without Borders is a growing network of Canadians who are young professionals, artists, community activists and academics committed to promoting this type of productive intercommunal dialogue and solidarity.

As the Dalai Lama once said, "A tree with strong roots can withstand the most violent storm, but the tree can't grow roots just as the storm appears on the horizon." Reconciliation does not blossom overnight; it is an ongoing process and with the right environment and the right nourishment, it will grow strong and its leaves will flourish.

This initiative will be one of many events aimed at doing just that: creating a positive environment that will allow for change and unity.

On June 12th, Sinhalese and Tamil Canadians will be planting trees and maintaining the surrounding area in Downsview Park from 11 am to 1pm. This event is hosted by Sri Lankans Without Borders and persons of all ages are encouraged to participate. It is also a great way for high school students to collect their required volunteer hours. The event will provide an opportunity for partnership towards reconciliation, while giving back to the environment.

For more information, please contact Natale Dankotuwage at (647)456-7231 or

nataledanko@gmail.com. www.srilankanswithoutborders.ca