Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09COLOMBO962
2009-10-20 11:21:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Colombo
Cable title:
MFA SECRETARY "SANGUINE" ON IDP ISSUE
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C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000962
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/INSB
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/08/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL PREF PHUM PTER EAID MOPS CE
SUBJECT: MFA SECRETARY "SANGUINE" ON IDP ISSUE
Classified By: AMBASSADOR PATRICIA A. BUTENIS. REASONS: 1.4 (B, D)
C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000962
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/INSB
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/08/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL PREF PHUM PTER EAID MOPS CE
SUBJECT: MFA SECRETARY "SANGUINE" ON IDP ISSUE
Classified By: AMBASSADOR PATRICIA A. BUTENIS. REASONS: 1.4 (B, D)
1. (C) In an October 20 meeting with Ambassador, new MFA
Secretary Romesh Jayasinghe claimed that the government's
attitude toward the IDP situation was changing for the
better. Jayasinghe, who recently returned to Colombo after
what was seen as a very successful stint as Sri Lankan high
commissioner in New Delhi, said that a number of factors were
contributing to the change. The GSL initially was
overwhelmed by the numbers of IDPs and now was better able to
deal with the problem. Also, initially -- since the military
had the lead -- the GSL had started off dealing with the IDPs
with a "military mindset." This mindset, both in terms of
IDPs and in the wider approach to government policymaking,
was now changing (he hinted at intentions to downgrade the
military, which would be a natural reaction to the recent
rise of former army chief and now CHOD Fonseka as a potential
rival for the presidency).
2. (C) Jayasinghe argued that demining and security issues
remained significant, but even these were better under
control and headed toward resolution. These developments had
led to a recognition in government circles that the costs of
keeping the IDPs in the camps were outweighing the benefits,
which made Jayasinghe "sanguine" that the GSL was turning a
corner in its approach to the IDP issue. He cited the recent
visit of the Indian Tamil-Nadu parliamentarians to the camps
-- something that would never have been considered earlier --
as evidence of the GSL's loosening up on the issue. In
connection with that visit, Jayasinghe said the GSL pledged
to the Indians that 54,000 IDPs would be released by the end
of the month. He claimed a tacit deal was reached with the
Indians that they could take credit for gaining the IDPs,
freedom in exchange for moderating their public statements on
the IDP issue. The secretary thought it was significant
that, unlike past GSL pledges to release specific numbers of
IDPs, this time the government told the Indians privately
that it would honor the target figure.
3. (C) COMMENT: The proof of the pudding is in the tasting,
and in the case of IDPs in Sri Lanka, triply so; embassy has
learned only to believe GSL pronouncements about IDP returns
when people actually arrive at their old homes.
Nevertheless, there may be some truth to Jayasinghe's
observations that the mood in the government is changing. We
cannot confirm the 54,000 release figure by the end of the
month that he cited, but the GSL has made several
announcements about speeding up returns. Also, General
Fonseka's open-secret consideration of running for president
has lessened enthusiasm in leadership circles for the
military. This might make it easier for civilian authorities
to move IDPs from transit camps to their homes, movements
which the military earlier had carte blanche to block at the
local level due to security considerations. In any case, we
will be watching closely for any evidence of whether the GSL
is beginning to change its approach.
BUTENIS
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/INSB
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/08/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL PREF PHUM PTER EAID MOPS CE
SUBJECT: MFA SECRETARY "SANGUINE" ON IDP ISSUE
Classified By: AMBASSADOR PATRICIA A. BUTENIS. REASONS: 1.4 (B, D)
1. (C) In an October 20 meeting with Ambassador, new MFA
Secretary Romesh Jayasinghe claimed that the government's
attitude toward the IDP situation was changing for the
better. Jayasinghe, who recently returned to Colombo after
what was seen as a very successful stint as Sri Lankan high
commissioner in New Delhi, said that a number of factors were
contributing to the change. The GSL initially was
overwhelmed by the numbers of IDPs and now was better able to
deal with the problem. Also, initially -- since the military
had the lead -- the GSL had started off dealing with the IDPs
with a "military mindset." This mindset, both in terms of
IDPs and in the wider approach to government policymaking,
was now changing (he hinted at intentions to downgrade the
military, which would be a natural reaction to the recent
rise of former army chief and now CHOD Fonseka as a potential
rival for the presidency).
2. (C) Jayasinghe argued that demining and security issues
remained significant, but even these were better under
control and headed toward resolution. These developments had
led to a recognition in government circles that the costs of
keeping the IDPs in the camps were outweighing the benefits,
which made Jayasinghe "sanguine" that the GSL was turning a
corner in its approach to the IDP issue. He cited the recent
visit of the Indian Tamil-Nadu parliamentarians to the camps
-- something that would never have been considered earlier --
as evidence of the GSL's loosening up on the issue. In
connection with that visit, Jayasinghe said the GSL pledged
to the Indians that 54,000 IDPs would be released by the end
of the month. He claimed a tacit deal was reached with the
Indians that they could take credit for gaining the IDPs,
freedom in exchange for moderating their public statements on
the IDP issue. The secretary thought it was significant
that, unlike past GSL pledges to release specific numbers of
IDPs, this time the government told the Indians privately
that it would honor the target figure.
3. (C) COMMENT: The proof of the pudding is in the tasting,
and in the case of IDPs in Sri Lanka, triply so; embassy has
learned only to believe GSL pronouncements about IDP returns
when people actually arrive at their old homes.
Nevertheless, there may be some truth to Jayasinghe's
observations that the mood in the government is changing. We
cannot confirm the 54,000 release figure by the end of the
month that he cited, but the GSL has made several
announcements about speeding up returns. Also, General
Fonseka's open-secret consideration of running for president
has lessened enthusiasm in leadership circles for the
military. This might make it easier for civilian authorities
to move IDPs from transit camps to their homes, movements
which the military earlier had carte blanche to block at the
local level due to security considerations. In any case, we
will be watching closely for any evidence of whether the GSL
is beginning to change its approach.
BUTENIS