IN MEETINGS, PDAS CAMP HEARS POLITICALLY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 001280

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR SA, SA/INS, DRL, DRL/IRF
NSC FOR E.MILLARD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/03/2014
TAGS: PREL PHUM KIRF CE
SUBJECT: IN MEETINGS, PDAS CAMP HEARS POLITICALLY
WIDESPREAD OPPOSITION TO ANTI-CONVERSION BILLS

REF: COLOMBO 1244 AND PREVIOUS

Classified By: Ambassador Jeffrey J. Lunstead. Reasons 1.5(b,d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: During July 30-31 meetings, PDAS Donald
Camp expressed the USG's concern for religious freedom in Sri
Lanka to government officials and political interlocutors.
Prime Minister Rajapakse stated that the government was
pursuing its own anti-conversion bill to thwart the
anti-conversion bill presented by the JHU party of Buddhist
monks. The GSL planned to use all tactics in its power to
keep the JHU bill from reaching Parliament for debate and
vote. Opposition Leader Wickremesinghe also stated that he
did not support either bill. Both political leaders said
that party members would be allowed to vote their conscience
if either bill came to a vote. The JHU maintained that its
bill only intends to prevent "forcible" conversions and was
aimed at protecting, not prohibiting human rights. It is not
a foregone conclusion that these bills will be passed or even
reach the floor for a vote. Mission remains engaged with the
GSL on the negative ramifications of such a potential law.
END SUMMARY.


2. (C) During July 30-31 meetings in Colombo, State
Department PDAS for South Asia Donald Camp raised the issue
of religious freedom in Sri Lanka with many interlocutors.
Camp specifically queried government officials and opposition
politicians about the recent developments with religious
anti-conversion bills. (Note: The non-GSL political party
of Buddhist monks, Jathika Hela Urumaya "JHU," has presented
one anti-conversion bill to Parliament while the government
has begun the process of drafting its own anti-conversion
bill.) In all forums, both Camp and Ambassador Lunstead
underscored that anti-conversion legislation would be a step
backward for religious freedom in Sri Lanka. They urged the
government to consider positive steps, such as a mutually
agreed voluntary code of behavior, to address the issue
before it became a problem in the United States' bilateral
relationship with Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister negative on bills
--------------


3. (C) Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse offered insight into
the government's intentions regarding anti-conversion
legislation. Rajapakse described the government bill as a
temporary measure to counter the one presented by the JHU.
Further, the government intended to bring motions and other
procedural actions to keep the JHU bill from being debated in
Parliament. Rajapakse admitted his fear that the JHU bill
could pass if it reached Parliament for a vote. Given the
recent challenges filed against the JHU bill, the PM said he
did not know how the Supreme Court would rule, but added a
negative ruling could effectively end the effort.


4. (C) Regarding the government's own bill, the PM said he
instructed Buddhist Affairs Minister Wickremenayake to
discuss the issue with other religious leaders to develop a
balanced bill. Rajapakse also acknowledged that many
Buddhist groups, including leading clergy, were against an
anti-conversion bill. (Note: Rajapakse was remarkably
candid in discussing his party's delaying tactics. His
confidence needs to be strictly protected.)

Opposition not supportive
--------------


5. (C) During a later meeting with Camp, United National
Party (UNP) head and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe
expressed his condemnation of anti-conversion legislation.
Wickremesinghe thought of two possible ways the GSL could
obstruct a potential vote on an anti-conversion bill. The
government could pressure the Supreme Court to throw out the
bill or assign the bill to a parliamentary standing
committee, letting it linger there without further debate or
action.


6. (C) Separately, the Ambassador spoke on August 1 with UNP
MP (and former UNP peace process negotiator) G.L. Peiris
about Sri Lanka's anti-conversion debate. Peiris said that
in a July 31 meeting, the Chief Incumbent of the Asgiriya
Sect -- one of the leading sects of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and
a respected voice on social issue -- spoke of his opposition
to an anti-conversion bill. (Note: The leading Buddhist
clergy of the Malwatte Temple, the other main sect, has also
expressed disapproval of such legislation.) Similar to other
interlocutors' comments, Peiris also confirmed that the JHU
bill could be sent to a parliamentary select committee, where
it could theoretically languish, without ever reaching the
floor for a vote.

Vote on Conscience
--------------

7. (C) Both the PM and Wickremesinghe stated that party
members would likely be allowed to vote their conscience on
the issue if any bill on religious anti-conversion reached
the floor for a vote.

JHU out to protect human rights
--------------


8. (C) During their discussion with PDAS Camp, three MP
monks from the JHU explained their support for an
anti-conversion bill. The JHU was against "forcible"
conversions, they stated through a translator. They were not
against other religions and supported conversions in general,
as monks often go abroad to convert people to Buddhism.
Describing being "paid to convert" as an insult to all
religions, the monk MPs said that such conversions impinged
on people's religious freedom. The party members urged the
USG to study the bill carefully, as its purpose was only to
protect human rights, not violate them. It was "others" who
had spread an inaccurate picture of the JHU's intentions with
the anti-conversion bill. In return, PDAS Camp urged them to
consult closely with other religious groups on this issue.

Comment
--------------


9. (C) Given all the noise and public discussion on this
issue, we would like to underscore that the passage of an
anti-conversion bill -- or even a vote on a draft bill -- is
not a foregone conclusion. Many throughout the government
and political and civil arenas are trying to stop this
legislation. It is a divisive and intensely personal issue
and it appears that few would be willing to sacrifice
individual beliefs simply for political expediency. In light
of the earnest efforts by leading Sri Lankans to take a stand
against this legislation, for maximum effectiveness, the USG
role in this issue should be to tread lightly. We will
continue our quiet, behind-the-scenes work to remind Sri
Lankans, especially government officials, that such a law
would seriously harm religious freedom and serve to
exacerbate ethnic tensions. END COMMENT.


10. (U) PDAS Donald Camp cleared this message.

LUNSTEAD