Remember the 8: Kirushna Kumar Kanagaratnam

Kirushna Kumar Kanagaratnam was more than a statistic, more than a name on a list, and far more than a victim of one of Canada’s most devastating crimes. He was a son, a brother, a friend and a man who came to Canada with the same hope shared by so many newcomers: the chance to build a better life through hard work and perseverance.

Kirushna emigrated to Canada from Sri Lanka settling in Toronto where he worked tirelessly to establish himself. Like many immigrants, his journey was not easy. He took on multiple jobs across different sectors, determined to support himself and remain independent in a country he chose to call home.

Kirushna emigrated to Canada from Sri Lanka, settling in Toronto where he worked tirelessly to establish himself. Like many immigrants, his journey was not easy. He took on multiple jobs across different sectors, determined to support himself and remain independent in a country he chose to call home.

His employment history reflected the reality faced by many newcomers piecing together work wherever it was available, often in roles that go unseen and uncelebrated, yet are essential to the fabric of everyday life in Canada. Kirushna’s work ethic was rooted in pride. He wanted to earn his place, contribute, and stand on his own feet.

His employment history reflected the reality faced by many newcomers piecing together work wherever it was available, often in roles that go unseen and uncelebrated, yet are essential to the fabric of everyday life in Canada. Kirushna’s work ethic was rooted in pride. He wanted to earn his place, contribute, and stand on his own feet.

Why We Remember Kirushna

We remember Kirushna Kumar Kanagaratnam because his life mattered.

We remember him because he worked, contributed, and belonged here.

We remember him because his story highlights the intersecting vulnerabilities of immigration, isolation, and marginalisation.

And we remember him because silence allowed injustice to grow.

Remember the 8 exists to ensure that Kirushna and the others are never reduced to footnotes in history. Their names deserve to be spoken. Their lives deserve to be honoured.

Kirushna Kumarsingh came to Canada to build a future.

Our responsibility is to ensure his memory helps build a better one.

Remember the 8: Kirushna Kumar Kanagaratnam