Consul Rodrigo: Uniting Toronto’s diverse Sri Lankan diaspora

A tribute to Consul General Thushara Rodrigo, who won the hearts of all Sri Lankan communities in Toronto through his genuine efforts toward reconciliation

- By Jaliya Wickramarachchi

As the President of the Canada Sri Lanka Markham Association, I have had the opportunity to work with many individuals who have contributed meaningfully to our community.

But few have left a mark as deeply as Mr. Thushara Rodrigo, the former Consul General of Sri Lanka in Toronto. This is not just my personal view, but a sentiment widely shared across both the Sinhalese and Tamil communities in the city. Mr. Rodrigo represented what compassionate, community-centred diplomacy can look like.

Never before has a Sri Lankan Consul General in Toronto so actively engaged with all segments of the diaspora, Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, and others with the clear intent of promoting unity and building an inclusive, harmonious community.

He did so with genuine respect, creating a model of diplomacy grounded in equal regard for all.