'Terrorists found safe haven in Canada': Sri Lankan FM slamming Justin Trudeau amid Delhi-Ottawa row

Speaking to ANI, Sabry said, "Some of the terrorists have found safe haven in Canada. The Canadian PM has this way of just coming out with some outrageous allegations without any supporting proof.

"The same thing they did for Sri Lanka, a terrible, total lie about saying that Sri Lanka had a genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country."

Slamming Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Sabri said no one should "poke their nose into other countries".

He said, " I don't think anyone should poke their nose into other countries and tell as to how we should govern our country. We love our country more than anyone else. That's why we are in our country. (sic)

"We are not very happy about that statement at all. Indian Ocean identity is very important and we need to strengthen the regional architecture. We have to look after our region. We need to work together."

"That's how we can create a peaceful environment. We should not be dictated by anyone else as to how we should conduct our affairs," Sabri added.

India's relationship with Canada deteriorated after Trudeau on September 18 alleged New Delhi's involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June in British Columbia.

Trudeau was quoted as saying by media: "As I said on Monday, there are credible reasons to believe that agents of the Government of India were involved in the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil."

He said: "There is something of utmost foundational importance in a country's rule of law in a world where international rules-based order matters."

He asked the Indian government to 'work' with Canada to ensure full transparency and accountability in the matter.

India dismissed Ottawa's allegations about Indian agents' involvement in the murder of the Khalistani terrorist as "politically driven".

MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said there was a "degree of prejudice" in Canada's allegations. "They have made allegations and taken action on them. To us, it seems that these allegations by the government of Canada are primarily politically driven."

PM Modi with Justin Trudeau during one of their earlier meetings/ courtesy: PIB

While New Delhi outrightly rejected Trudeau's allegation, calling it "absurd" and "motivated", the relations between the two countries have worsened with Canada and India expelling a senior diplomat each.

India has also issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals, particularly students, in Canada and also those contemplating travel to the North American country, asking them to exercise utmost caution.

Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canada-based pro-Khalistan leader, was shot dead in Surrey city, British Columbia province in June.

He had been a leading figure in the Khalistan separatist movement and was closely associated with Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).

Nijjar was also serving as the president of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey.

Nijjar, a member of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), was a ‘wanted terrorist’ for his involvement in various acts of violence and subversive activities.