OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 078 (06/01/04)

C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000907

SIPDIS

OFFICIAL INFORMAL

FOR SA/INS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/01/14
TAGS: AMGT CE MV LTTE
SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 078 (06/01/04)

Classified by DCM James F. Entwistle for reasons 1.5 (b)
and (d).


CONTENTS: MCC TEAM ON THE GROUND
- TAMIL JOURNALIST KILLED IN THE EAST
- MISSION HOLIDAY ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2

MCC TEAM ON THE GROUND
--------------


1. (SBU) The MCC team has started to arrive. They have
an in-house dinner at the DCM's this evening, a few
events on the holiday tomorrow and then very busy
schedules on Thursday and Friday. Lots of interest from
the Sri Lankan side so it should be a very productive
program. (DCM

TAMIL JOURNALIST KILLED IN THE EAST
--------------


2. (C) On Monday, May 31, Iyathurai Nadesan, a Tamil
journalist, was killed in the eastern town of
Batticaloa. Described as a veteran journalist by many
media outlets, Nadesan was a frequent contributor to the
widely read independent Tamil daily "VIRAKESARI." While
there are no suspects in the case at present, Nadesan
was a public supporter of the LTTE and speculation is
rife that elements of Karuna's faction were involved in
the shooting. On the pro-LTTE TamilNet website, the
Tigers have condemned the killing. Journalists from
around the country are expected to attend Nadesan's
funeral, to be held in Jaffna on June 2. (POL)

MISSION HOLIDAY ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2
--------------


3. (U) FYI. A reminder that the Mission will be closed
on Wednesday, June 2 for the Sri Lankan national
Buddhist holiday of Poson Poya. (POL)

LUNSTEAD