INFORMAL PRESENCE IN THE NORTHERN CITY OF

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000333 SIPDIS FOR NEA/SA/EX; SA/INS; DS/CIS/PSP; DS/IP/FPO AND DS/IP/SA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ASEC ABLD AFIN CE SUBJECT: INFORMAL PRESENCE IN THE NORTHERN CITY OF JAFFNA ¶1. With continuing progress toward peace, this Mission finds it highly desirable to establish an informal presence in the northern city of Jaffna. This will facilitate coordination of AID activities in the areas of economic development and humanitarian assistance; help us carry out public diplomacy programs; and allow us to monitor events/activities important to US foreign policy objectives. ¶2. To date, Mission personnel on temporary duty to Jaffna have had to use the UN guest quarters, which still is the only lodging in town. With UN activities increasing rapidly, this option is not available to us any longer. Post therefore plans to lease a residential property for lodging by Mission staff during short periods of TDY. While this property will not be used as a venue for official meetings, it may be used for occasional lunches with contacts. It will have two or three bedrooms, kitchen facilities, etc. It will also have a telephone, fax, TV, radio and a PC. Total leasing cost and operating expenses such as salary for a cook cum caretaker/ gardener in addition to utilities would be about $3,500 per year, which would be funded by ICASS. ¶3. The Mission will look at renting an appropriately secure residence. When a property is located, RSO will conduct a detailed security inspection of the residence and approve or veto its addition to our housing pool. Residential security upgrades will be identified and reported, and the residence will meet all residential security standards prior to occupancy. ¶4. Post requests the Department's prompt approval and funding for this initiative. Wills