SRI LANKA: PRESIDENT RAJAPAKSE SOUNDS MODERATE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 001979

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/22/2015
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PTER KIRF CE
SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: PRESIDENT RAJAPAKSE SOUNDS MODERATE
NOTES IN INAUGURAL ADDRESS

Classified By: DCM JAMES F. ENTWISTLE FOR REASONS 1.4 (B&D)

SUMMARY
--------------


1. (C) On November 19 Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse took
the oath of office as the Democratic Socialist Republic of
Sri Lanka's fifth Executive President. Following the
swearing-in ceremony, Rajapakse addressed the nation listing
his objectives of averting war, supporting the Cease Fire
Agreement (CFA),achieving an honorable peace in an undivided
island, creating a socially just economic policy, defending
religious freedom and human rights while pursuing an
Asia-centric progressive foreign policy. References to the
CFA and religious freedom show more moderation and nuance
than his stump speeches or the policies of his campaign
partners, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and Jathika
Hela Urumaya (JHU). END SUMMARY.

PEACE SOON
--------------

2. (U) Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse took the oath of
office as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka's
fifth Executive President on November 19. In his address
to the nation following the swearing-in ceremony, Rajapakse
set out his goals for the country. He identified his first
priority as avoiding a return to war with the Liberation
Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by supporting the current CFA
and seeking a honorable peace agreement that addresses the
needs of all Sri Lanka's ethnic communities. Citing his
election as a mandate from the people against the division
of the country, he promised to begin a peace process "based
on that premise." Rajapakse confirmed his administration's
commitment to the CFA. Unlike prior speeches where he called
for a review or renegotiation of the CFA, his address asked
only to "review the operations of the Ceasefire" in order to
enforce its provisions. Acknowledging complaints from the
Muslim community that their interests were not represented in
earlier talks, he proposed replacing bilateral talks with the
LTTE with multilateral talks, including the Muslim community.
Although during the campaign his allies in the JVP decried
foreign interference in Sri Lanka's internal affairs,
Rajapakse said only he would consult unidentified "friendly
countries who have worked with us in the past," to help build
a consensus. He pledged to engage the LTTE in direct talks
as soon as the Tigers declare their willingness to talk.

GOD IS WATCHING US
--------------

3. (U) Rajapakse invoked Buddhist teachings as the basis of
a disciplined society that would uphold the rule of law while
protecting culture and morals. Rajapakse's campaign alliance
with the JHU raised concerns that an anti-conversion bill
could gain momentum. His address attempted to allay fears
that he was anti-Christian. He pledged that all citizens
could conduct their religious affairs freely while calling
on Sri Lankans to make use of the "noble teachings of all
religions." As if to close the door on religious
sectarianism, Rajapakse flatly stated, "There will be no
state interference in religion."


MAKING MONEY AND INFLUENCING PEOPLE
--------------

4. (U) Rajapakse said he aims to create a socially just
macro-economic policy that would nonetheless maximize foreign
investment. His address promised to use all the positive
features of the free market system while giving priority to
local entrepreneurs to develop agriculture, industries and
services. He described his foreign policy as progressive,
seeking close cooperation with Sri Lanka's Asian friends
(unnamed) and protecting Asian value systems (unspecified).

COMMENTS
--------------


5. (C) Compared to the campaign rhetoric used by Rajapakse
and his chauvinistic allies on the stump, the inaugural
address appears to move the President closer to the center.
He sidesteps threats to renegotiate the CFA by calling for a
review of CFA "operations," which his predecessor Chandrika
Kumaratunga had sought, and effective enforcement of existing
provisions. His thanks to friendly foreign countries could be
seen as salve for his bashing of Norwegian peace facilitator
during the campaign. His statement prohibiting state
interference in religions is aimed at reassuring Christians
that overwhelmingly supported his challenger Ranil
Wickremesinge. Considering the very narrow margin of victory
in the November 17 vote -- and his asymmetrical support among
the Sinhalese Buddhists in this ethnically and religiously
diverse society-- President Rajapakse has made a smart tactical
first step to broaden his appeal. The challenge, however, will
be to put these more moderate statements into effect.
LUNSTEAD