SRI LANKA TO SUPPORT AND ATTEND IRENA CONFERENCE

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000617 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EEB/ESC DMONOSSON, OES/EGC GTHOMPSON, OI/EDA RWEBBER AND SCA/INSB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ERGR KGHG SENV CE SUBJECT: SRI LANKA TO SUPPORT AND ATTEND IRENA CONFERENCE REF: STATE 61286 ¶1. Ransiri Perera, Deputy Director of the MFA's Economic Affairs Division, confirmed to Econ Chief on June 16 that the GSL has signed the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) statute; a date for ratification remains unknown. The GSL plans to attend the June 28-30 IRENA meeting in Egypt, which it will staff from its local mission in Cairo. Asked for the host government's position on IRENA's mission, purpose and focus, Perera was unable to comment in detail. However, he noted that the GSL felt this was a worthwhile initiative, and is hopeful that participation will lead to additional assistance for developing countries in renewable energy endeavors. ¶2. Perera was unable to confirm a GSL preference for an IRENA headquarters. Econ Chief outlined U.S. arguments in favor of UAE's bid. Perera stated that both UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdulah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the local UAE missio have "lobbied hard" for the GSL's support. Perea believes it is likely the GSL will support an IRNA headquarters in UAE. MOORE