SRI LANKA: FORMIN PROMISES DEVOLUTION PROPOSAL;

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 000326 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/INS MCC FOR S GROFF, D NASSIRY, E BURKE AND F REID E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/12/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: FORMIN PROMISES DEVOLUTION PROPOSAL; DOWNPLAYS HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION Classified By: Ambassador Robert O. Blake, Jr., for reasons 1.4(b,d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador called on Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona on February 23 at their request. Bogollagama assured us that the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) devolution proposal would be ready soon, perhaps before Bogollagama's proposed trip to Washington in mid-March. Ambassador urged the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) to take advantage of its current majority in parliament to press forward on a political solution. Kohona expressed concern about the number of letters from the U.S. Congress on the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka. He argued that they reflect out of date information and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) propaganda. Ambassador pointed out that the LTTE-breakaway Karuna group is becoming increasingly brazen in the East and that there seem to be no restraints on its actions. Bogollagama admitted that Sri Lanka has a history of law enforcement engaging in extrajudicial activity, but said the GSL is currently trying to establish transparency in this area. End Summary. Devolution Proposal Coming Soon -------------- ¶2. (C) The Ambassador, accompanied by PolOff, called on Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama on February 23 at the Minister's request. Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona was also present. Bogollagama opened by assuring the Ambassador that the APRC devolution report would be coming out soon, hopefully before Bogollagama's proposed trip to Washington in mid-March. The Minister stressed the importance of the report and acknowledged that "everyone" is eager to see a legitimate political proposal put forward. He noted President Rajapaksa's desire to have a final report within 8 weeks. Ambassador urged the GSL to take advantage of the current majority in parliament to press forward on a political solution to the conflict. Busy Schedule -------------- ¶3. (C) Bogollagama reported that his recent visit to Pakistan went well and updated the Ambassador on his upcoming travel plans. The Minister will be in the United Kingdom from March 7-9, and in India on March 18, leaving a window in mid-March for his proposed travel to Washington to meet Secretary Rice. (We will advise the MFA that Secretary Rice SIPDIS is not available March 11-14.) Congressional Letters Causing Concern -------------- ¶4. (C) Kohona expressed concern that he, Bogollagama, and President Rajapaksa have all received letters from members of the U.S. Congress on the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka. Kohona argued that the letters are based on out of date information and reflect LTTE propaganda. For example, he said, the humanitarian crisis in the East has been resolved now that the Government controls the area. He told us that the GSL had already addressed the humanitarian crisis in Jaffna. One letter called for the opening of the A-9 highway, which Kohona stated was closed to prevent the LTTE from forcibly recruiting Jaffna's inhabitants. Ambassador emphasized the international community's focus on seeing internally displaced persons from all communities resettled and commended the GSL's efforts to address the humanitarian issues in Jaffna. He noted, however, that human rights issues are still a problem and GSL action is needed to stem the abuses. Government Committed to Resolving Human Rights Cases COLOMBO 00000326 002 OF 002 -------------- -------------- ¶5. (C) Kohona assured the Ambassador that the GSL does not condone human rights abuses and pointed out that even Government officials have been victims. The Commission of Inquiry (COI) and the International Independent Group of Imminent Persons (IIGEP) were set up to demonstrate the GSL's commitment to solving human rights cases. The GSL is proud to be setting a precedent of having an independent group of investigators with international observers looking into these abuses. He said the GSL has been unable to crack the cases so far because the perpetrators often escape to LTTE-controlled areas where the GSL can not reach them. Another limitation, according to Kohona, was the GSL's determination that the investigating security forces act within the law. Ambassador expressed satisfaction that the COI and IIGEP are, in general, off to a good start, noting that the U.S. representative to the IIGEP was pleased with the initial meetings the week of February 12. He underlined the importance of taking action on human rights cases that leads to actual prosecutions and punishments. He cited the perception among Sri Lankans that the Government is working with groups such as the Eelam People's Democratic Party and the LTTE-breakaway Karuna group, and he urged the GSL to address that situation honestly. Bogollagama acknowledged that Sri Lanka has a history of law enforcement engaging in extrajudicial activity, but said that the GSL is currently trying to establish transparency in this area. He said the GSL will investigate human rights cases as quickly as possible and is working to exercise its writ in the newly cleared areas in the East. Dealing with Karuna -------------- ¶6. (C) Ambassador pointed out that the Karuna group is becoming increasingly brazen in the East and that there seem to be no restraints on its actions. He noted the importance of reinforcing rule of law in the East with uniformed officers, not with masked men. He explained that if Karuna wants to become a leader in the East, he must abide by the law. The GSL must be careful not to create a monster that will later become an embarrassment. Kohona claimed that Karuna is not a huge factor; he has only 400 or so members. Moreover, Karuna has given assurances that he wants to join the political mainstream and has promised not to recruit child soldiers. The GSL will deal with him politically because it does not want to open up a second military front, he said. ¶7. (C) COMMENT: Bogollagama seemed confident that the GSL could deliver a devolution proposal within a few weeks. Kohona, relaxed and friendly, nevertheless energetically defended the GSL's humanitarian and human rights records. Although Kohona dominated the conversation, Bogollagama seemed the more willing to acknowledge the need for greater accountability within the GSL's security forces. BLAKE