COLOMBO EAC MEETING APRIL 1, 2003

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000546 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR DS/IP/SA, DS/DSS/ITA, DSERCC AND SA/INS E.O. 12958: DECL: N/A TAGS: ASEC AEMR PTER CASC CE SUBJECT: COLOMBO EAC MEETING APRIL 1, 2003 ¶1. (SBU) On April 1, 2003 Colombo Emergency Action Committee (EAC) met to discuss the local security situation. The DCM chaired the EAC. ¶2. (SBU) The EAC discussed the 2000-person protest on March 28 and agreed that despite the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd, the situation in Colombo remains fairly calm. ¶3. (SBU) The IBB representative reported a local from the area in which IBB is located briefly stirred things up by blaming the U.S. (and the police stationed at IBB) for his traffic fine. He reportedly also made anti-U.S. comments. It appears, however, that the situation at IBB facility in Iranawila, Sri Lanka (which broadcasts into Iraq) is also calm. ¶4. (SBU) No members of the EAC reported significant problems with the police deployment at all residences. The EAC decided to continue the request for assistance. The LAV shuttle and the Ambassador's Police Special Task Force protective detail will also remain in force at least until the EAC reconvenes. ¶5. (SBU) A local newspaper quotes a representative of a local NGO as saying that arrangements are being made to send Sri Lankan youths to Iraq to support Iraqi forces. RSO will bring this matter to the attention of local authorities and attempt to determine if this story is fabricated or true. ¶6. (SBU) The EAC agreed to meet again on Friday April 4. Wills