Steven Del Duca, Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, issued the following statement on Thai Pongal:
“This week, the Tamil community in Ontario and around the world will celebrate Thai Pongal, giving thanks for this year’s bountiful harvest.
Both on Thai Pongal and Tamil Heritage Month, which is celebrated throughout January, we celebrate the tremendous contributions made by the Tamil community. As leaders in your communities, you give back so much to the great province we all call home.
We also recognize some difficult, painful events for the Tamil community this year. The world just saw the destruction of the Mullivaikkal memorial in Sri Lanka – an attack on the ability of the Tamil community to mourn their losses. It was a heartbreaking attack which I continue to condemn, and a reminder to keep fighting those who seek to erase history.
While we may not be able to come together and enjoy Pongal this year, I know Ontario’s Tamil community will find ways to safely celebrate on this important day.
On behalf of our family and the Ontario Liberal Party, I offer best wishes and good health to everyone celebrating Thai Pongal. Iniya Thai Pongal Nalvazhthukkal!”