January 2, 2014 - 

The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today issued the following statement:

“Officials at the High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka in Colombo and my staff have been in direct contact with Rathika Sitsabaiesan, Member of Parliament for Scarborough–Rouge River; she has confirmed her well-being and that she is at her hotel.

“Officials at the high commission spoke with relevant Sri Lankan police and immigration authorities, who said they have issued no arrest warrant for Ms. Sitsabaiesan.

“Canadian officials have also been in contact with Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Canada and confirm that media reports of a ‘house arrest’ are false.

“Ms. Sitsabaiesan’s visit to Sri Lanka is a private one. Canadian officials from the high commission remain in touch with her and will ensure she receives any assistance required.

“We will continue to monitor the situation until Ms. Sitsabaiesan returns home.”

src:news.gc.ca