Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04COLOMBO331
2004-02-27 05:57:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Colombo
Cable title:  

Historic Jaffna library opens on limited basis

Tags:  PGOV PREL PINS PHUM KPAO CE LTTE 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

270557Z Feb 04
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 000331 

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR SA, SA/INS; NSC FOR E. MILLARD

PLEASE ALSO PASS TOPEC

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02-27-14
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINS PHUM KPAO CE LTTE
SUBJECT: Historic Jaffna library opens on limited basis

Refs: Colombo 302 (Notal)

(U) Classified by James F. Entwistle, Deputy Chief of
Mission. Reasons 1.5 (b,d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 000331

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR SA, SA/INS; NSC FOR E. MILLARD

PLEASE ALSO PASS TOPEC

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02-27-14
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINS PHUM KPAO CE LTTE
SUBJECT: Historic Jaffna library opens on limited basis

Refs: Colombo 302 (Notal)

(U) Classified by James F. Entwistle, Deputy Chief of
Mission. Reasons 1.5 (b,d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: The library in the northern city of
Jaffna has reopened, albeit on a limited basis, after
much contention on this subject between the GSL and the
Tigers. The fact that the library -- one of the
cultural centers of the war-torn Jaffna region -- has
finally opened its doors is a positive sign, but it
remains unclear if the Tigers will permit the library to
reopen fully. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) On February 23, the Jaffna Library reopened on a
limited basis. Currently, only the reference section of
the historic library, which was destroyed during
fighting between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
(LTTE) and GSL forces in 1981, will be open, allowing
students to study for examinations. The library, which
before its destruction was considered one of the best in
south Asia, has been reconstructed over the past several
years by the GSL, with donations of books and materials
coming from myriad sources, including international aid
agencies, private donors, and diplomatic missions.
(Note: U.S.-donated microfiche containing archives of
Tamil newspapers dating back to the 1800's, as well as a
microfiche reader, is set to be contributed to the
library, pending its full reopening. Additionally, the
Embassy hopes to install an "American Corner" consisting
of computers, multimedia equipment, books, periodicals
and other resources.


3. (C) Mission contacts say that moves to reopen the
library have been pending for some time, due to the fact
that educational resources are extremely limited in the
war-torn Jaffna peninsula in the north, where most of the fighting
during the country's civil war was concentrated. Since
the February 2002 ceasefire, schools have reopened in
Jaffna, but materials and teachers are in extremely
short supply. The library was slated to reopen in 2002,
but difficulties in funding and pressure from the
Tigers, who see the library as an important symbolic and
cultural center, prevented its reopening. Subsequently,
there have been several attempts by the GSL to reopen
the library officially, which have been unsuccessful due
to Tiger pressure and logistical difficulties. On
several Mission visits over the past year, emboffs have
noted that the library has been extremely well-
reconstructed, with many books both in Tamil and English
on shelves, modern fire-suppression systems, well-
maintained grounds and library staff undergoing computer
training classes.


4. (C) Reaction to the library's partial reopening has
been extremely positive, with contacts indicating that
this is an important step in returning some limited
semblance of normalcy to Jaffna. Tamil National
Alliance parliamentarian N. Raviraj told poloff on
February 27 he was "extremely pleased" the library had
reopened, albeit on a partial basis, as this meant
students preparing for examinations could make use of
the library's resources. Father Bernard, who is a
Catholic priest and human rights activist in Jaffna, as
well a member of the library's advisory board, said he
had been working to reopen the library for nearly a
year, and was very happy that some services were now
being offered.


5. (C) COMMENT: The destruction of the Jaffna Library
was seen as a strong symbolic event by the Tigers, as
well as residents of Jaffna, who regard it as an
important part of their cultural heritage. The
reopening of the library has attracted considerable
attention in the local press, and while there has been
no public reaction so far from the Tigers, this limited
offering of services is almost certainly not without
their approval. It remains to be seen, however, when
the library will become fully functional, and some
contacts have floated the suggestion that the Tigers are
allowing the library's "soft reopening" to garner
political good will ahead of Sri Lanka's upcoming
parliamentary elections. As noted above, we have some
very tangible assistance ready for delivery as soon as
the interlocking logistical and political issues can be
resolved. END COMMENT.


6. (U) Minimize considered.

LUNSTEAD