Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08COLOMBO459
2008-05-12 11:12:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Colombo
Cable title:
REQUEST TO SRI LANKA TO PROVIDE AVIATION SUPPORT
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C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000459
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/INS AND IO/PSC (MROZINSKI)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/12/2018
TAGS: MARR PREL KPKO CE
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO SRI LANKA TO PROVIDE AVIATION SUPPORT
IN DARFUR
REF: STATE 49277
Classified By: Ambassador Robert O. Blake, Jr., for reasons 1.4(b,d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000459
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/INS AND IO/PSC (MROZINSKI)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/12/2018
TAGS: MARR PREL KPKO CE
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO SRI LANKA TO PROVIDE AVIATION SUPPORT
IN DARFUR
REF: STATE 49277
Classified By: Ambassador Robert O. Blake, Jr., for reasons 1.4(b,d).
1. (C) Ambassador and ODC Chief Orozco met with Sri Lankan
Secretary of Defense Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on May 12 to request
that Sri Lanka offer Mi-8 or Mi-24 helicopters to support the
UN-AU peacekeeping operation in Darfur. Drawing on the
background in para 4 of reftel, Ambassador noted that Sudan
is one of the USG's highest foreign policy priorities. While
African countries would provide infantry units and other
contributions, there remains a critical need for
combat-capable attack helicopters and military utility
helicopters. The Ambassador also noted the USG's willingness
to consider requests for upgrading or sustaining any
helicopters the Sri Lankan military might provide.
2. (C) Rajapaksa agreed to consider the USG's request. He
undertook to consult AIR FORCE Commander Goonetileke as soon
as possible. Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka relies on Mi-17
helicopters for its troop carriers and is looking to purchase
more of those. He cautioned, however, that Sri Lanka's lift
capabilities are limited. "We can't transport even a
battalion," he said. Ambassador said the USG would
appreciate knowing what helicopters Sri Lanka could make
available. If the model could be of potential use, the USG
would likely dispatch an assessment team to view the
asset(s). Ambassador again underlined the urgency of the
request.
3. (C) DCM previewed our request to Rajapaksa in a meeting
with Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona on May 10. Kohona also
agreed to take a close look at the request.
4. (C) Comment: Sri Lanka is now engaged in intensive
military operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil
Eelam on four fronts. Our offer to upgrade or help sustain
whatever helicopters Sri Lanka might be willing to provide
may nonetheless be of interest to the GSL because U.S. and
other restrictions on military exports due to concerns about
human rights and child soldiers are beginning to affect the
operational readiness of the Sri Lankan military. Ambassador
will also contact Tourism Minister Moragoda, who plays an
important advisory role on US-Sri Lankan mil-mil relations,
to underscore the importance and urgency of this request.
Embassy also recommends that the Department brief Sri Lankan
Ambassador Goonetileke in Washington on Ambassador's approach
to Defense Secretary Rajapaksa so Goonetileke can encourage a
favorable response.
BLAKE
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/INS AND IO/PSC (MROZINSKI)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/12/2018
TAGS: MARR PREL KPKO CE
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO SRI LANKA TO PROVIDE AVIATION SUPPORT
IN DARFUR
REF: STATE 49277
Classified By: Ambassador Robert O. Blake, Jr., for reasons 1.4(b,d).
1. (C) Ambassador and ODC Chief Orozco met with Sri Lankan
Secretary of Defense Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on May 12 to request
that Sri Lanka offer Mi-8 or Mi-24 helicopters to support the
UN-AU peacekeeping operation in Darfur. Drawing on the
background in para 4 of reftel, Ambassador noted that Sudan
is one of the USG's highest foreign policy priorities. While
African countries would provide infantry units and other
contributions, there remains a critical need for
combat-capable attack helicopters and military utility
helicopters. The Ambassador also noted the USG's willingness
to consider requests for upgrading or sustaining any
helicopters the Sri Lankan military might provide.
2. (C) Rajapaksa agreed to consider the USG's request. He
undertook to consult AIR FORCE Commander Goonetileke as soon
as possible. Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka relies on Mi-17
helicopters for its troop carriers and is looking to purchase
more of those. He cautioned, however, that Sri Lanka's lift
capabilities are limited. "We can't transport even a
battalion," he said. Ambassador said the USG would
appreciate knowing what helicopters Sri Lanka could make
available. If the model could be of potential use, the USG
would likely dispatch an assessment team to view the
asset(s). Ambassador again underlined the urgency of the
request.
3. (C) DCM previewed our request to Rajapaksa in a meeting
with Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona on May 10. Kohona also
agreed to take a close look at the request.
4. (C) Comment: Sri Lanka is now engaged in intensive
military operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil
Eelam on four fronts. Our offer to upgrade or help sustain
whatever helicopters Sri Lanka might be willing to provide
may nonetheless be of interest to the GSL because U.S. and
other restrictions on military exports due to concerns about
human rights and child soldiers are beginning to affect the
operational readiness of the Sri Lankan military. Ambassador
will also contact Tourism Minister Moragoda, who plays an
important advisory role on US-Sri Lankan mil-mil relations,
to underscore the importance and urgency of this request.
Embassy also recommends that the Department brief Sri Lankan
Ambassador Goonetileke in Washington on Ambassador's approach
to Defense Secretary Rajapaksa so Goonetileke can encourage a
favorable response.
BLAKE