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Widespread racial riots in Sri Lanka in 1983 caused severe unrest for the Tamil civilians of Sri Lanka. The years following the 1983 riots started to see the mass exodus of Tamils from Sri Lanka, seeking asylum in various countries across the globe. Large numbers of the minority Tamil population fled to Canada, US, UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Norway, South Africa, India and Australia. Many fled under dire circumstances and sought refuge in these countries. The first acts of Canadian support came in the guise of a special program introduced in September 1983 allowing refugee claimants, students and visa holders who were in Canada at that time to apply for permanent resident status. During this time, residents of Canada were able to sponsor relatives more easily. A temporary cessation of removals to Sri Lanka was also instituted during this time. It was only in 1986 that Canadians saw evidence of this exodus at its own shores. On August 11th, 1986, two overcrowded lifeboats carrying 146 men, 4 women and 5 children were rescued off the coast of St. Shott's, Newfoundland. Although thousands of Tamils had already sought refuge at Canada's borders at this point in time, the arrival of the lifeboats captured the attention of Canadians from coast to coast – particularly those in Newfoundland Thanks to the Captain and crew of the Atlantic Reaper, these refugees are proud, contributing Canadian citizens. Captain Dalton and his crew Joe Mulrooney, John McEvoy, and Tom Power, all from St. Mary's Bay are all national heroes who never received the type of recognition worthy of national heroes. These local fishermen, including Captain Jim Corcoran, the late Captain Felix Dobbin and their crews, were all on site to provide assistance Red Cross volunteers were also instrumental in assisting the newcomers get settled as coast guards took them to Memorial University The people of Newfoundland were very helpful and welcoming. Many people, whom we are unable to identify, did all they could do to be of assistance. The sincere and genuine acts of kindness and compassion shown by the people of Newfoundland in August 1986 is a testament to not only the kindness of the people who live there, but that of the entire country's. It is because Canadians welcomed these refugees with open arms that they are proud, functioning and contributing members of this Canadian mosaic. They, as well as the Tamil population currently in Canada, are forever indebted to the generosity of this beautiful country, which we have all come to call home.
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