GSL arrests large number of Sri Lankan illegal

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 000002

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR SA, SA/INS, S/CT, INL, G/TIP, CA/VO/F/P, INR/NESA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/02/2004
TAGS: PGOV PINS ECON KFRD CE
SUBJECT: GSL arrests large number of Sri Lankan illegal
migrants as part of ongoing crackdown on human smuggling

Refs: 03 Colombo 1343, and previous

(U) Classified by Bruce Lohof, Acting Deputy Chief of
Mission. Reasons 1.5 (b, d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: In several recent incidents, GSL
authorities have arrested roughly 350 Sri Lankans
attempting to illegally migrate to Italy. The GSL also
recently repatriated the last of a large number of third
country nationals (all South Asian) who were arrested in
mid-2003. At this point, the government appears to be
getting something of a handle on the illegal migrant
problem. END SUMMARY.


2. (SBU) LATEST ARRESTS: In three separate
incidents, GSL authorities recently arrested roughly
350 Sri Lankans who were attempting to illegally
migrate out of the country. The incidents included:

-- On December 26, off the island's western coast,
roughly 30 miles north of Colombo, police apprehended
269 Sri Lankans in a boat. All of those arrested
remain in jail pending an early January hearing.

-- On December 1, 63 Sri Lankans were arrested at sea
near Negombo town, 20 miles north of Colombo.

-- On November 23, Police interdicted a truck in
Negombo carrying 25 people, who were apparently
intending to leave the country illegally. The 25
were initially arrested, but were later released.
The police are searching for those responsible for
organizing the effort.


3. (U) In all three cases, those being smuggled were
reportedly headed for Italy. According to the police,
the suspected human migrants believed that the Italian
government might show leniency to those arrested during
the holiday season. According to the police, each
individual had paid roughly USD 500 to human smugglers,
with a balance of approximately USD 2,300 due upon
arrival in Italy.


4. (SBU) REPATRIATION COMPLETE: After a spate of human
smuggling attempts of third country nationals in June
and July 2003 (see Reftels),C.A. Fonseka, Deputy
Commissioner of Immigration and Emigration, told poloff
on January 2 that all the foreign nationals involved
have now been returned to their country of origin. The
majority were released and returned soon after their
interdiction. The balance -- some 250 Pakistanis and
Indians -- were convicted of attempted human smuggling
and sentenced to a year in jail. Given the high cost of
incarceration, Fonseka said the GSL had chosen to return
this last tranche to their home countries and all were
deported by mid-December.


5. (C) PROGRESS ON ISSUE NOTED: The GSL appears to
have been working hard to prevent human smuggling. In
recent months, a number of the smuggling organizers have
been arrested and their rings broken up. When queried,
Fonseka said he felt that the successful effort by Sri
Lankan law enforcement in preventing the large-scale
human smuggling attempts in June/July had had a notable
impact on the smugglers and their operations. The GSL
continued to remain vigilant, but had not detected any
additional smuggling attempts involving third country
nationals in the past several months. Fonseka added
that he hoped that those repatriated were delivering the
message to compatriots that the Sri Lankan authorities
were tough on human smuggling and that Sri Lanka was not
the place to attempt such activities.


6. (C) COMMENT: The government appears to be taking
the matter of illegal migration extremely seriously. As
the problem spiked in mid-2003, the GSL closely
cooperated with local embassies and launched a
crackdown, which, as noted, appears to have had some
success. That said, with SAARC visa entry procedures
liberalized and the number of flights linking South
Asian points gradually expanding, the GSL will have to
keep on top of the situation.


7. (C) COMMENT (continued): As for potential Sri
Lankan illegal migrants, it is a sad commentary that so
many are willing to risk life and limb trying to get to
Europe illegally despite the peace process and economic
growth at home. In the meantime, although the impasse
has not seemed to have any negative impact as of yet, it
is possible that further cohabitation conflict could
undermine GSL efforts in this area. This is especially
the case in light of lingering confusion over exactly
who is in charge of the Internal Security (formerly
Interior) Ministry. END COMMENT.


8. (U) Minimize considered.

LUNSTEAD