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| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04COLOMBO321 |
Campaigning begins in earnest as nomination [...] (C) SUMMARY: The proverbial dust has settled on the nomination process for Sri Lanka's upcoming April 2 parliamentary elections, with nominations closing February 24. Campaigns by the two major parties have kicked off as of February 26, and the stage is set for the fourth national election i [...] |
2004-02-26 11:03:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS PINR PHUM CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO322 |
ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION WITH DHS SECRETARY [...] Ambassador Lunstead looks forward to the roundtable discussion with other COMs and DHS Secretary Ridge on March 8. Following is a list of relevant issues in Sri Lanka and Maldives, keyed to the format in reftel. A. Movement of People In both Sri Lanka and Maldives, we seek to improve th [...] |
2004-02-26 11:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT CVIS OTRA PREL PTER CE ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO327 |
FOLLOW-UP ON MADRID CONFERENCE DONORS FOR IRAQ [...] In response to Embassy queries, Mr. Weerakoon of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs relayed the follwing status report on the Government of Sri Lanka's assistance to Iraq. 2. Sri Lanka's commitment to Iraq was 100,000 kilograms of tea and 100,000 pieces of clothing. As o [...] |
2004-02-27 05:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON EFIN IZ CE |
| 04COLOMBO328 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 031 (02/27/04) [...] (C) The Ambassador and party report that the Maldives trip continues to go well, with a number of interesting meetings including with President Gayoom yesterday. Meanwhile, on the opposition front, you may see press reports that the GSL has ordered MDP organizer Mohammed Latheef (with whom w [...] |
2004-02-27 05:37:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV |
| 04COLOMBO331 |
Historic Jaffna library opens on limited basis [...] (C) SUMMARY: The library in the northern city of Jaffna has reopened, albeit on a limited basis, after much contention on this subject between the GSL and the Tigers. The fact that the library -- one of the cultural centers of the war-torn Jaffna region -- has finally opened its doors is a [...] |
2004-02-27 05:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS PHUM KPAO CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO332 |
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT EOI FOR DEVELOPING AN [...] No summary [...] |
2004-02-27 06:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | BTIO CE ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO401 |
Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement -- Booming Trade [...] Summary: Trade between India and Sri Lanka has grown significantly -- by 30 percent in 2003 to USD 1.3 billion. Indian exports to Sri Lanka grew by 28 percent and Sri Lankan exports to India grew by 43 percent over the same time period. The rapid increase in trade between India and Sri Lank [...] |
2004-03-08 11:03:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON CE USTR ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO406 |
Sri Lanka: Ignoring orders of LTTE [...] (C) SUMMARY: The main Tamil Tiger organization in the north announced March 6 that it was replacing a dissident commander. The commander, Karuna, has refused to step down, however, and remains ensconced in his eastern jungle base. No violence has been reported, but the situation is becomin [...] |
2004-03-06 08:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO418 |
In meeting with Ambassador, PM Wickremesinghe [...] (C) SUMMARY: Prime Minister Wickremesinghe intends to use the signed photo of his White House visit in his campaign. He hopes to win an absolute majority and will use it to push the President to return the powers she seized in November. He thinks the Election Commission is doing a good job. [...] |
2004-03-09 10:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER PHUM CE |
| 04COLOMBO42 |
Colombo Plan: Action Request regarding Drug [...] (U) This is an Action Request -- Please see Para 4. 2. (U) REQUEST FOR CANDIDATES: Throughout the Asia/Pacific region, the Colombo Plan's Drug Advisory Program (DAP) plays a major role in demand reduction and drug awareness efforts. The tenure of the DAP's current director, Tay Bian How [...] |
2004-01-09 05:56:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL SNAR CE |
| 04COLOMBO422 |
Campaign Snapshot: Despite LTTE rift, Tamil [...] (C) In this message, Mission reviews the following items related to Sri Lanka's April 2 parliamentary election campaign: -- Despite LTTE split, pro-Tiger party carries on campaign; -- Extremist Buddhist monks launch effort; -- Incidents of campaign-related violence on low side, so far [...] |
2004-03-09 11:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PINR PTER PHUM CE |
| 04COLOMBO424 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 037 (03/09/04) [...] (C) We continue to monitor the situation in the east. As you know, it is not clear exactly what is transpiring amid many conflicting reports. Here are some of the latest items: -- REPORTED KILLINGS: There are various reports that fighting has begun between the rival LTTE factions. The [...] |
2004-03-09 11:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO43 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 003 (01/09/04) [...] (U) FYI. On January 8, Parliament passed a motion to appoint a parliamentary select committee to examine the differences between the findings of two reports on the 2002 police raid of a Sri Lanka Army safehouse. As reported in 03 Colombo 2121, a retired judge commissioned by President Kumar [...] |
2004-01-09 06:07:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AMGT CE MV |
| 04COLOMBO432 |
ATOLL TRIP UNDERSCORES VULNERABILITY AND PROMISE [...] (SBU) Summary: Ambassador traveled with UNDP reps to Felidhoo Island in the Felidhe Atoll (the atoll just south of the South Male Atoll) on February 26. During a two-hour visit to the island, Ambassador was greeted by Maldives' only female Atoll Chief and saw local handicraft production, the [...] |
2004-03-10 11:12:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PREL MV ECOSOC |
| 04COLOMBO435 |
Sri Lanka: Rebel eastern commander torques up [...] (C) SUMMARY: Rebel LTTE commander Karuna continues to lash out at the main Tamil Tiger organization in the north. In a March 9 interview with BBC TV, Karuna -- speaking at a base in Batticaloa -- asserted that he had left the LTTE because he thought the group was preparing for war pending t [...] |
2004-03-10 05:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR MOPS KPAO CE NO IN LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO437 |
TERRORIST FINANCE FOLLOW UP: SRI LANKA AND MALDIVES [...] (C) Summary: Post believes the GSL and the GORM have been fully cooperative with counterterrorism finance initiatives, to the extent they are able. While neither has frozen terrorist assets, we do not believe either Sri Lanka or the Maldives presents an attractive banking alternative for terr [...] |
2004-03-11 10:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ETTC PREL PTER MV CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO438 |
UNHRC: Ambassador reviews U.S. priorities at [...] (C) As requested Ref B, Ambassador discussed upcoming UNHRC session with Foreign Secretary Bernard Goonetilleke on March 11. Goonetilleke is the number two in the Foreign Ministry and highest-ranking career official. (Embassy had previously presented similar material to MFA's Director Gener [...] |
2004-03-11 10:52:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM CE UNHRC |
| 04COLOMBO439 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 039 (03/11/04) [...] (C) The Ambassador met March 11 with Foreign Secretary Bernard Goonetilleke. As Goonetilleke is also SIPDIS chief of Sri Lanka's Peace Secretariat, the discussion focused mostly on the situation in the east. Goonetilleke -- who is clearly spending much time on the matter -- made the follo [...] |
2004-03-11 11:25:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO44 |
AMBASSADOR DISCUSSED POLITICAL SITUATION WITH [...] (C) SUMMARY: Milinda Moragoda says it is not clear if the PM wants a deal with the President, or a confrontation. The Indians continue to try to work the issue. Milinda sees proposed Tokyo co-chairs meeting as a way to keep attention focussed on Sri Lanka, but thinks outcome needs to be car [...] |
2004-01-09 06:43:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS CE |
| 04COLOMBO440 |
Sri Lanka: Can rebel Tamil Tiger commander in [...] (C) A week after he split from the main LTTE organization in the north, rebel commander Karuna appears to be gradually consolidating his position in the east. With many loyal troops in strong defensive redoubts, his military position seems relatively strong. There are also signs that he is p [...] |
2004-03-11 11:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO441 |
Humanitarian demining: USG program continues [...] (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. 2. (SBU) SUMMARY: A major State Department-sponsored humanitarian demining training initiative has been making major strides in Sri Lanka. Run by the RONCO Corporation, the program has trained over two hundred [...] |
2004-03-11 11:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER PGOV EAID KHDP CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO444 |
COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR USCG 41- [...] THE GOVERNMENT OF SRI LANKA HAS SUBMITTED REFERENCE (FORWARDED UNDER SEPARATE COVER) REQUEST FOR EDA TRANSFER OF 41-FOOT US COAST GUARD UTILITY BOAT. BOTH THE SRI LANKAN NAVY (SLN) AND SRI LANKAN POLICE - PARAMILITARY BRANCH, THE SPECIAL TASK FORCE (STF) HAVE EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN OBTAINI [...] |
2004-03-12 05:07:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | MASS PREL PGOV PTER CE |
| 04COLOMBO446 |
In meeting, senior MP from President's party [...] (C) SUMMARY: Polchief met March 10 with Dinesh Gunawardena, a senior MP in President Kumaratunga's People's Alliance (PA) party. Queried about the April 2 parliamentary election, he stated that he thought the alliance between the SLFP and radical JVP was having "a very good" campaign and wo [...] |
2004-03-12 05:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR PTER CE |
| 04COLOMBO45 |
RESULTS OF COLOMBO LTTE THREAT LETTER INVESTIGATION [...] (SBU) Summary - REFTEL reported the text of a letter sent to Embassy Colombo claiming a LTTE terrorist plot in the U.S. RSO investigation indicates the threat information contained in the letter is most likely false. The letter appears to be the work of a jealous lover. End Summary. 2. ( [...] |
2004-01-09 11:12:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC CE PTER |
| 04COLOMBO452 |
In visit, a tense, brooding Jaffna is [...] (C) SUMMARY: Poloff visited Jaffna District in northern Sri Lanka, March 13-14. Preparations for Sri Lanka's April 2 parliamentary elections were proceeding apace, and interest in the campaign seemed relatively high. The pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance (TNA) appears poised to do well. Ta [...] |
2004-03-15 10:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER PHUM SOCI CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO453 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 041 (03/15/04) [...] (SBU) FYI. In a pre-recorded campaign speech televised on the evening of March 14, President Chandrika Kumaratunga addressed the nation in Sinhala, railing against the United National Party (UNP) government and promoting the election manifesto of her United Party Freedom Alliance (UPFA). In [...] |
2004-03-15 11:26:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AMGT CE MV |
| 04COLOMBO456 |
Norwegian Special Envoy Solheim reviews latest [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a March 13 meeting with the four local co-chairs (Japan, Norway, U.S. and the EU) and again to a wider donor group on March 15, Norwegian Special Envoy Erik Solheim discussed his latest visit to Sri Lanka. Ambassador Lunstead participated in the meetings. Most of Solheim's [...] |
2004-03-15 11:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR PTER CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO460 |
COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR SURVEILLANCE RADARS [...] THE GOVERNMENT OF SRI LANKA HAS SUBMITTED REFERENCE (FORWARDED UNDER SEPARATE COVER) REQUEST FOR SURVEILLANCE RADARS FOR BOTH STATIC & MOBILE COASTAL RADAR STATIONS. THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE CURRENTLY DESIRES TO ESTABLISH COASTAL RADAR STATIONS AND IS REQUESTING FOUR HIGH FREQUENCY OVER THE HO [...] |
2004-03-16 04:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | MASS PREL PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO465 |
Campaign Snapshot: Major parties issue dueling [...] (C) In this message, Mission reviews the following items related to Sri Lanka's April 2 parliamentary election campaign: -- President Kumaratunga defends record in nationally televised address; -- United National Party (UNP) releases strongly pro- peace process manifesto; -- President [...] |
2004-03-15 03:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PINR PTER PHUM CE KWMM |
| 04COLOMBO469 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 042 (03/17/04) [...] (C) Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar called Ambassador Lunstead March 17 to relay a conversation the Norwegians had with Pulithevan, head of the LTTE "Peace Secretariat." In his discussion with the Norwegians, SIPDIS Pulithevan stated that the LTTE had had no involvement with the rumor [...] |
2004-03-17 11:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO470 |
Sri Lanka: Background on long-standing [...] (C) SUMMARY: Since his split with the LTTE, rebel commander Karuna has made a big pitch that eastern Tamils have been mistreated by the main LTTE organization in the north. In wider societal terms, it is true that there have been long-standing tensions between eastern and northern Tamils. [...] |
2004-03-17 11:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PTER SOCI CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO477 |
Sri Lanka: Latest poll results appear to [...] (C) SUMMARY: Two recent polls on the attitudes of Sri Lankans ahead of the April 2 parliamentary elections seem to indicate that PM Wickremesinghe's UNP government is in trouble. While the polls do not breakdown which party Sri Lankans plan to vote for, per se, they do show that the UNP gov [...] |
2004-03-18 10:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS SOCI CE |
| 04COLOMBO480 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 043 (03/18/04) [...] (C) FYI. In a long interview with TamilNet posted on March 17, London-based LTTE spokesman Balasingham has made his first public comments on the Karuna situation. Balasingham said the Tiger split between the north and east was not a major politico-military crisis and that the LTTE would deal [...] |
2004-03-18 11:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO486 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 044 (03/19/04) [...] (SBU) FYI. On March 17, President Kumaratunga abolished 13 non-Cabinet ministries by gazette notification and amalgamated their functions into Cabinet-level ministries. Two other ministries were also merged with Cabinet-level ministries. The 13 ministries that were abolished -- (Irrigatio [...] |
2004-03-19 04:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AMGT CE MV |
| 04COLOMBO489 |
Sri Lanka: Competing Muslim groups engage in [...] (C) SUMMARY: Muslim parties are engaged in fierce infighting ahead of the April 2 parliamentary election. Tensions are particularly high in the east, where there have been many incidents of violence between the pro-UNP Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and Muslims who are loyal to President K [...] |
2004-03-19 05:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PINR PTER CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO490 |
PROMISES, PROMISES: ECONOMIC RHETORIC FROM [...] (C) Summary: As the march toward the April 2 parliamentary elections continues, much of the campaign rhetoric has focused on the economy. At the same time, the continued political instability caused by the dissolution of parliament and the ensuing campaign is casting a pall over the economy. [...] |
2004-03-19 05:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV CE ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO497 |
ADDITIONAL GSL RESPONSE ON UNCTAD XI [...] Per Ambassador's letter (Ref A), post received a response from Trade Minister Ravi Karunanayake regarding the inclusion of Doha Development Agenda (DDA) issues at UNCTAD XI. Karunanayake's response, repeated in full below, mirrored Trade Secretary Wickremesinghe's response (Ref B) that the GS [...] |
2004-03-22 09:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD CE |
| 04COLOMBO499 |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TRAINING IN SRI LANKA [...] Summary: Sri Lanka is an ideal candidate for IP training assistance, as the public and private sectors are working together to develop an implementation plan for its new, strong IPR law. The law was passed in Nov. 2003, and the GSL requested assistance with enforcement. Econoff chairs a pri [...] |
2004-03-22 11:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD KIPR CE WTO USTR |
| 04COLOMBO50 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 004 (01/12/04) [...] (C) FYI. Further to the January 8 email concerning Ambassador Subasinghe's comments to the desk regarding the possible re-swearing in of Ministers Amaratunga and Barkeer Markar to their old Interior and Mass Communications portfolios, respectively, we just want to flag to you that these mini [...] |
2004-01-12 09:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO501 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 045 (03/22/04) [...] (SBU) FYI. President Kumaratunga's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) party alleged over the weekend that foreign governments -- including the U.S. -- were trying to influence the outcome of the April 2 parliamentary elections by providing financial assistance to monitoring organization [...] |
2004-03-22 11:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AMGT CE MV |
| 04COLOMBO503 |
Sri Lanka: Radical JVP party ramps up [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ahead of Sri Lanka's April 2 parliamentary election, the radical JVP party is running hard in Sri Lanka's south. The party appears to be garnering strength, though some of its support may be siphoned away by a small party running an all-Buddhist monk slate of candidates. In a [...] |
2004-03-22 11:23:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PHUM PINR SOCI CE |
| 04COLOMBO51 |
In meeting with Ambassador, Prime Minister [...] (C) SUMMARY: Prime Minister told the Ambassador January 10 that it was up to the President to make a new offer on how to deal with the Defense portfolio. In the meantime, he is offering power-sharing at the Provincial level. It appears both sides are waiting to gauge their strength in the [...] |
2004-01-12 10:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS PINR CE |
| 04COLOMBO510 |
WALK-IN CLAIMS LOCAL PASSPORT VENDOR HELPED FOUR [...] (S/NF) On March 18, a confidential source of undetermined reliability but known to RSO and ORCA New Delhi contacted the RSO to pass new information and advise he will be relocating to Abu Dhabi for work. Source is identified as Mohamed Ilyars Mohamed HUNU, DPOB 12/15/1972 - Sri Lanka, National [...] |
2004-03-23 07:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | SECRET//NOFORN | ASEC PTER |
| 04COLOMBO514 |
To gain edge for President, state-run [...] (C) SUMMARY: Two state-run, pro-President Kumaratunga newspapers appear to have fabricated results of a recent USAID-funded poll to make it seem that Sri Lankan voters favored the President over the PM and distrusted donor countries. In a March 22 courtesy call with SA DAS Patterson, Minist [...] |
2004-03-23 10:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM KPAO PREL CE |
| 04COLOMBO515 |
Sri Lanka: Implications of a possible victory [...] (C) SUMMARY: At this point in Sri Lanka's April 2 parliamentary election campaign, the UPFA alliance between the President's party and the JVP appears ahead in the race, though not a lock to win. If the UPFA does come out ahead and goes on to form the government, however, there are numerous [...] |
2004-03-23 11:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON PTER CE NO |
| 04COLOMBO52 |
FY-2004 MRP "MULTI-CULTURALISM IN A DEMOCRATIC [...] POST NOMINATES MR. RUWAN P. CHANDRASEKERA, ACTING REGIONAL COORDINATOR, HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION-JAFFNA AS THE PRINCIPAL CANDIDATE AND VEN. WALMORUWE PIYARATHANA THERO, LECTURER AT THE DEPT. OF PALI AND BUDDHIST STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA AS THE ALTERNATE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SUBJECT [...] |
2004-01-12 10:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO520 |
Sri Lanka: Level of violence falls markedly [...] (C) SUMMARY: The level of campaign-related violence in Sri Lanka has fallen markedly compared to that recorded in the past. It is not clear why violence is down, but the Elections Commission, the police, and local and foreign monitors have worked hard to tamp down the violence. That said, [...] |
2004-03-23 11:58:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PHUM PINR PTER CE |
| 04COLOMBO526 |
CHR: Mission provides GSL with draft Cuba [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a March 25 meeting at the Sri Lankan MFA, Polchief reviewed talking points and provided a copy of the draft CHR resolution on Cuba. MFA contact was non-committal, noting that the GSL was in a state of flux due to the April 2 elections. Overall, we think moving the GSL to a "y [...] |
2004-03-25 09:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM PINR CE CU CH CHR UN |
| 04COLOMBO532 |
TERRORIST FINANCING: COLOMBO IN-HOUSE VIEWS ON AL [...] No summary [...] |
2004-03-25 11:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | SECRET | PTER EFIN ETTC ECON PREL |
| 04COLOMBO54 |
Japanese proposal for donor meeting in Colombo [...] (C) SUMMARY: Japan has proposed that Special Envoy Akashi convene a formal "Tokyo Follow-up Meeting" during his late-January visit to Sri Lanka. Both the GSL and most, if not all, other donors think a formal meeting is not a good idea. They prefer to see Akashi's visit as a prelude to a Fe [...] |
2004-01-12 10:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS EAID PINR CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO543 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 048 (03/26/04) [...] (SBU) FYI. Here are the latest nuggets of news: -- President Kumaratunga attended a large rally in the southern town of Matara on March 25. She did not say anything dramatic, per se. The rally was well-attended. Based on what we are hearing, the President's SLFP-JVP alliance (the "UPFA") [...] |
2004-03-26 05:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO544 |
GSL CONTINUES TO PUSH US-SL FTA, DESPITE POLITICAL [...] (C) Summary: Despite its caretaker status and the political uncertainty surrounding next week's elections, the government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe continues to prepare for a US-Sri Lanka FTA. Since Cancun, Sri Lanka has supported US positions in WTO fora and on regional initia [...] |
2004-03-26 06:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD ECON CE ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO545 |
In visit to Sri Lanka, SA DAS Patterson [...] (C) SUMMARY: SA DAS Torkel Patterson visited Colombo, March 21-23. Highlights of the visit included meetings at the MFA, with a key adviser to President Kumaratunga, with local diplomats, and with local business leaders, including the American Chamber of Commerce. Key issues discussed incl [...] |
2004-03-26 06:42:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON PTER CE LTTE ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO546 |
AMERICAN NGO RECEIVES THREATS AFTER ELECTION [...] (SBU) Summary - On 03/26/04, RSO Colombo was advised by a local USAID-funded NGO that its office had received a series of anonymous phone and fax threats concerning a local newspaper article that publicized the results of an election survey funded by the NGO that was favorable to President Ku [...] |
2004-03-26 11:58:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC PTER |
| 04COLOMBO557 |
Campaign Snapshot: Campaigning set to end [...] (C) In this message, Mission reviews the following items involving Sri Lanka's April 2 parliamentary election campaign: -- Per the rules, campaigning set to end March 30, 48 hours before election day. -- Conflicting poll results. -- In visit to southern districts, Mission team finds s [...] |
2004-03-29 02:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER PHUM PINR CE |
| 04COLOMBO56 |
FY-2004 MRP "U.S.FOREIGN POLICY AND COUNTER [...] POST NOMINATES MR. NIMAL SENANAYAKE, SENIOR LEGAL ASSISTANT, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS FOR PARTICIPATION IN SUBJECT PROJECT. POST CONFIRMS THAT THIS NOMINATION HAS "FULL COUNTRY TEAM APPROVAL." 2. NOMINATION IS AS FOLLOWS: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): : The following da [...] |
2004-01-13 04:39:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO563 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 050 (03/30/04) [...] (SBU) FYI. Here are the latest nuggets of news: -- As noted in Colombo 557, campaigning for the April 2 election is set to end at midnight tonight (March 30). The PM is speaking at a number of rallies before attending the UNP's final rally of the campaign in Colombo tonight. President Kum [...] |
2004-03-30 11:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AMGT CE MV |
| 04COLOMBO564 |
New party with all-monk candidate slate [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an unprecedented move, the JHU, a new political party, is fielding an all-Buddhist monk slate of candidates. While its platform is vague, the party is basically anti-peace process. It has also taken a tough stance against corruption. The JHU effort has drawn flak from the [...] |
2004-03-28 03:56:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR SOCI PHUM CE |
| 04COLOMBO565 |
COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR VERTICAL TAKE OFF AND [...] THE GOVERNMENT OF SRI LANKA HAS SUBMITTED REFERENCE (FORWARDED UNDER SEPARATE COVER) REQUEST FOR TWO VERTICAL TAKE OFF AND LANDING (VTOL) EAGLE EYE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAV). THE SRI LANKA NAVY CURRENTLY DESIRES TO PURCHASE TWO VTOL EAGLE EYE UAVS IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THEIR SURVEILLANCE [...] |
2004-03-31 03:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | MASS PREL PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO567 |
Sri Lanka: Implications for U.S. policy of [...] (C) SUMMARY: This message reviews the implications for U.S. policy of possible scenarios resulting from Sri Lanka's April 2 parliamentary election. The two most likely post-election scenarios are: -- (A) The President's UPFA grouping wins outright or is able to cobble together a majority [...] |
2004-03-31 11:07:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINS PINR PHUM ECON CE |
| 04COLOMBO568 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 051 (03/31/04) [...] (SBU) FYI. Just want to flag that tensions between the main LTTE and rebel commander Karuna in Batticaloa District in the east are rising. As you know, a TNA candidate and a relative were gunned down on March 30, probably by a LTTE hit squad (the LTTE, for its part, has denied involvement). [...] |
2004-03-31 11:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO57 |
FY-2004 MRP "U.S. JUDICIAL SYSTEMS"- [...] POST NOMINATES MR. DENIS S. SOOSAITHAS, LEGAL OFFICER, HOME FOR HUMAN RIGHTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SUBJECT PROJECT. POST CONFIRMS THAT THIS NOMINATION HAS "FULL COUNTRY TEAM APPROVAL." 2. NOMINATION IS AS FOLLOWS: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): : THE FOLLOWING DATA IS IN [...] |
2004-01-13 04:39:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO572 |
Sri Lanka braces for tight, tense election [...] (C) SUMMARY: Sri Lankans are getting ready to go to the polls on April 2 to vote for a new Parliament. At this point, it still seems to be anyone's race to win: the Prime Minister's UNP appears to be making a late charge against the President's UPFA, but it is not clear which side has the o [...] |
2004-04-01 10:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PINR PHUM ASEC CE |
| 04COLOMBO573 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 052 (04/01/04) [...] (C) FYI. We want to flag the following items related to Sri Lanka's parliamentary elections, which take place tomorrow, April 2: -- We are sending out a snapshot of Sri Lanka on the eve of the election, which you should see in a front-channel tonight. -- There continues to be an argume [...] |
2004-04-01 11:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO579 |
Sri Lanka goes to the polls: Situation is [...] (C) SUMMARY: Sri Lankans flocked to the polls April 2 to elect a new Parliament. The situation throughout the country -- including the often volatile north and east -- is reportedly calm and there have been few reports of violence. Turnout seems high. Polls have now closed and results wil [...] |
2004-04-02 01:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PHUM ASEC PTER CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO58 |
FY-2004 MRP "ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVERNMENT AND [...] POST NOMINATES MR. SAJITH PREMADASA, DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH, NUTRITION AND WELFARE FOR PARTICIPATION IN SUBJECT PROJECT. POST CONFIRMS THAT THIS NOMINATION HAS "FULL COUNTRY TEAM APPROVAL." 2. NOMINATION IS AS FOLLOWS: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): : THE FOLLOWING DATA [...] |
2004-01-13 04:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO587 |
Sri Lanka: Results of Sri Lanka's April 2 [...] (C) SUMMARY: Final results from Sri Lanka's April 2 parliamentary election came out late April 4 and President Kumaratunga's political grouping, the "UPFA," emerged with the largest number of seats in Parliament. The UPFA did not attain a majority, however. The President may swear in an "in [...] |
2004-04-05 12:12:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER PINR ECON CE |
| 04COLOMBO59 |
FY-2004 MRP "ADMINISTRATION OF COURTS" [...] POST NOMINATES MR. W.J. SHAVINDRA FERNANDO, SENIOR STATE COUNSEL, ATTORNEY GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT FOR PARTICIPATION IN SUBJECT PROJECT. POST CONFIRMS THAT THIS NOMINATION HAS "FULL COUNTRY TEAM APPROVAL." 2. NOMINATION IS AS FOLLOWS: TRANSMITTING-POST: PAS COLOMBO TRANSMITTING-POST-ID: 2929 [...] |
2004-01-13 04:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO592 |
MEDIA PLAY: Sri Lankan Media Consumed by [...] (U) Summary. Sri Lanka's English and vernacular media offered exhaustive coverage and commentary about the nation's April 2 parliamentary elections. The morning after the poll (4/3), glowing lead headlines focused on the relatively peaceful election. The media also reported on election vio [...] |
2004-04-06 02:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO PHUM OPRC KMDR OIIP PREL CE |
| 04COLOMBO601 |
Sri Lanka: President swears in new PM, [...] (C) SUMMARY: On April 6, President Kumaratunga swore in Mahinda Rajapakse, a senior leader in her SLFP party, as Sri Lanka's next prime minister. A new cabinet may be sworn in the next day or so. In the meantime, the President's UPFA grouping (SLFP plus JVP) continues to look for partners [...] |
2004-04-06 12:27:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER PINR CE |
| 04COLOMBO606 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 054 (04/07/04) [...] (C) The Ambassador will call on new Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse at 9 am Thurday morning. We assume that the POTUS-Prime Minister congratulatory letter referred to in the D memo you e-mailed us is in the works? Let us know if you need language from us. Depending on how long the meeting [...] |
2004-04-07 12:20:00 | Embassy Colombo | SECRET//NOFORN | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO607 |
Tensions continue to percolate between LTTE [...] (C) SUMMARY: Tensions continue to percolate between the main LTTE organization and rebel eastern commander Karuna. The Tigers recently warned Karuna that they plan to "get rid" of him. In the meantime, there are continuing reports of LTTE hit squads roaming the east and of LTTE and Karuna [...] |
2004-04-07 12:23:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PINR PHUM MOPS CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO61 |
FY-2004 S/RP "WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, [...] POST NOMINATES MR. RAJINDRA DE S. ARIYABANDU, DIRECTOR, POLICY AND PLANNING, WATER RESOURCES SECRETARIAT FOR PARTICIPATION IN SUBJECT PROJECT. POST SIPDIS CONFIRMS THAT THIS NOMINATION HAS "FULL COUNTRY TEAM APPROVAL." 2. NOMINATION IS AS FOLLOWS: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT [...] |
2004-01-13 07:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO611 |
In meeting with Ambassador, new PM expresses [...] (C) Ambassador Lunstead made a congratulatory call on new Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse on April 8. During their 45-minute long discussion, Rajapakse underscored his support for the peace process. In a theme he kept returning to, he also expressed deep concerns about the high d [...] |
2004-04-08 12:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR ECON MASS CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO618 |
Sri Lanka: Foreign Minister-designate [...] (U) This cable contains an action request -- see para 7. 2. (C) SUMMARY: New Foreign Minister Kadirgamar would like to visit Washington in May. He appreciated the US's neutrality during the election. On the Peace Process, the new government "has no grip yet." India has been standing [...] |
2004-04-08 12:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR CE IN CHR |
| 04COLOMBO62 |
The ties that don't bind: Cohabitation [...] (C) SUMMARY: Since Sri Lanka's cohabitation experiment began in December 2001, President Kumaratunga and PM Wickremesinghe have been at daggers drawn, with relations plunging to new depths of late. Both sides have their complaints against the other and neither wears a white hat: From the P [...] |
2004-01-13 07:42:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PREL PINR CE |
| 04COLOMBO620 |
LTTE FACTIONS SQUARE OFF IN EASTERN SRI LANKA [...] (SBU) Embassy Colombo received information today that rival factions of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), located in eastern Sri Lanka, became engaged in two gun battles beginning early this morning April 9. Three cadres, most likely from the northern faction, were reported killed [...] |
2004-04-09 10:42:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC CASC CE MOPS PGOV PINS PTER LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO622 |
EMBASSY COLOMBO ACTIONS TO DATE REGARDING THREAT [...] (SBU) At approximately 2330 hours on the evening of 9 April, RSO Colombo received a telephone call from Legatt New Delhi regarding an alleged Tamil Tiger threat to "try kill the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka." This threat had apparently been sent via email by an unknown person in Jaffna, Sri L [...] |
2004-04-12 02:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | ASEC CE PTER |
| 04COLOMBO628 |
Sri Lanka: Under pressure from the main LTTE [...] (C) SUMMARY: The forces of dissident eastern LTTE commander Karuna have buckled in the face of the offensive launched by the main LTTE organization on April 9. There is word that Karuna's forces have retreated and that hundreds of them have apparently surrendered without a fight. Karuna's [...] |
2004-04-14 11:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS MOPS EAID CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO637 |
Sri Lanka: President swears in new Cabinet [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga swore in Sri Lanka's new Cabinet on April 10. As expected, the President kept control of the defense and internal security portfolios, while key SLFP advisers received most of the other top portfolios. The radical JVP, a key SLFP ally in the recent campai [...] |
2004-04-14 12:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PINR CE |
| 04COLOMBO644 |
In meeting, Norwegian Ambassador reviews [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norway expects a formal request from the GSL to continue its role as peace facilitator. Norwegians think the new Sri Lankan Government needs to realize it cannot make unilateral decisions on the course of the peace process. No "Peace Team" in place yet. END SUMMARY. 2. (C [...] |
2004-04-15 10:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO646 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 057 (04/15/04) [...] (C) FYI. This is an update to our April 14 front- channel (Colombo 628) about the crumbling of rebel Tiger commander Karuna's forces in the east: -- The whereabouts of Karuna remain a mystery. Although speculation remains rife that Karuna is either in Sri Lankan military custody or in dis [...] |
2004-04-15 12:17:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO647 |
Sri Lanka: Biographic data on new Cabinet [...] (C) As reported Reftel, Sri Lanka's new cabinet was sworn in on April 10. (FYI. President Kumaratunga retained control of the defense and internal security portfolios -- see Reftels. Due to a dispute with President Kumaratunga, the radical Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, "JVP," has not yet assu [...] |
2004-04-15 12:23:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL ECON CE |
| 04COLOMBO653 |
After ousting rebel commander, LTTE reasserts [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the face of the LTTE's recent offensive, breakaway commander Karuna's forces appear to have totally melted away and, as of April 16, the situation in the east is calm. Karuna's whereabouts remain a mystery. For its part, the GSL military continues to deny reports that it is [...] |
2004-04-16 07:10:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS MOPS PHUM EAID CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO662 |
Former PM sees economy as key factor in [...] (C) SUMMARY. Former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe told the Ambassador that perceptions of economic well-being (or, rather, the opposite) had been key in his parliamentary defeat on April 2. He is skeptical the winners will be able to get back to the peace table with the LTTE anytime soon. Wickre [...] |
2004-04-19 11:25:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ECON CE |
| 04COLOMBO668 |
Colombo Plan: How do we deal with arrears? [...] (U) This is an Action Request -- Please see Para six. 2. (C) Poloff attended the bimonthly meeting of the Colombo Plan Council on April 7. On the margins of the meeting, poloff spoke to Colombo Plan Secretary General K. Kanjanapipatkul and reiterated the USG position that we would not [...] |
2004-04-20 11:26:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | SNAR AORC PREL CE IO |
| 04COLOMBO669 |
Sri Lanka update: Parliament set to reopen [...] (C) In this update message, Mission reviews the following political developments in Sri Lanka: -- Parliament is set to reopen on April 22, with the selection of a Speaker one of the first tasks; -- Tensions continue between the President's party and its extremist coalition partner; -- [...] |
2004-04-17 08:42:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE |
| 04COLOMBO67 |
FY-2004 MRP "INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM"- [...] POST NOMINATES MS. FREDERICA JANSZ, JOURNALIST OF THE SUNDAY LEADER FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SUBJECT PROJECT. SHE IS BEEN SUBSTITUTED FOR MAHIM MENDIS. POST CONFIRMS THAT THIS NOMINATION HAS "FULL COUNTRY TEAM APPROVAL." 2. NOMINATION IS AS FOLLOWS: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT [...] |
2004-01-13 10:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO676 |
USAID/SRI LANKA SECURITY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR FY 05 AND [...] No summary [...] |
2004-04-21 03:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | NONE |
| 04COLOMBO685 |
Sri Lanka: New foreign secretary named; [...] (C) SUMMARY: Sri Lanka has a new foreign secretary. H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, a career foreign service officer, was named to the position on April 20. Former Fonsec Goonetilleke is slated to fill in as acting UN Permrep in New York and then go to Ottawa to be high commissioner. While other per [...] |
2004-04-21 11:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR CE |
| 04COLOMBO689 |
CHR/Sri Lanka: GSL agrees to support motion [...] (C) On April 22, the DCM spoke with Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Siri Palihakkara and urged Sri Lanka to vote in favor of the procedural motion to adjourn the Cuban resolution on Guantanamo detainees. The DCM noted that EU states, India, and Nepal among others were in favor of the motion. P [...] |
2004-04-22 11:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM CE UNCHR |
| 04COLOMBO69 |
Tigers say they still support ceasefire accord, [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the wake of the recent controversy over the PM's remarks about the ceasefire accord, Tiger officials have publicly reaffirmed their support for the ceasefire and the peace process. The Tigers and pro- Tiger elements have expressed a significant degree of impatience with the [...] |
2004-01-13 11:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR PINS KPAO CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO690 |
Amid raucous scenes, initial vote on Speaker [...] (C) SUMMARY: Sri Lanka's Parliament convened on April 22. The opening session was chaotic, with both sides of the chamber hurling invective at each other. Initial voting for the Speaker of Parliament ended in a 108-108 tie between the government and Opposition candidates. Another vote is e [...] |
2004-04-22 11:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PHUM CE |
| 04COLOMBO694 |
In big defeat for new government, Sri Lankan [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Sri Lankan Parliament has elected W.J.M. Lokubandara, an MP for the Opposition UNP, as its next Speaker. The vote, which took place late April 22, was a close one, 110-109, with six abstentions. Parliament reconvenes on May 18. While the Speaker job is largely symbolic, th [...] |
2004-04-23 06:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PINR CE |
| 04COLOMBO696 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 061 (04/26/04) [...] (SBU) FYI. As flagged in Colombo 669, Provincial Council elections in the "Wayamba" province of north- central Sri Lanka took place on April 26. In an impressive showing, the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) captured 31 seats on the Council, with 19 going to the United National Party [...] |
2004-04-26 10:55:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV |
| 04COLOMBO697 |
Access to International Law Enforcement Academy [...] (SBU) We have heard from your staff in INL that you might visit Sri Lanka late next month, perhaps after inaugurating the new campus of the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Bangkok. I would be delighted to see you here. We could put together a program for you highlighting ho [...] |
2004-04-26 10:55:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SNAR KCRM PREL CE XD |
| 04COLOMBO701 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 062 (04/27/04) [...] No summary [...] |
2004-04-27 10:58:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO702 |
UPFA government wins Provincial Council [...] (C) SUMMARY: The UPFA government easily won the April 24 Provincial Council election in Wayamba, an area north of Colombo. In other political news, the JVP's ministerial nominees are scheduled to take their oath of office on April 28 after a compromise was reached in the JVP's dispute with [...] |
2004-04-26 23:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR CE |
| 04COLOMBO704 |
Ambassador meets with President Kumaratunga [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador met Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on April 26. A visibly tired CBK said she wanted to restart peace negotiations with the LTTE as soon as possible, and was willing to discuss the LTTE Interim Authority proposal. She intends to reorgani [...] |
2004-04-27 11:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV MASS CVIS CE LTTE ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO705 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 063 (04/28/04) [...] (U) FYI. After much wrangling with the President over the content of their ministerial portfolios (see Colombo 702, and previous), the JVP accepted the compromise offered by Kumaratunga and eight JVP MPs assumed their minister- and deputy-ministerships in an April 28 ceremony. The JPV took [...] |
2004-04-28 11:14:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV |
| 04COLOMBO706 |
UNICEF cites recent positive actions by the [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an April 27 meeting with the DCM, Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Country Representative for Sri Lanka, discussed the LTTE's recent releases of child soldiers. Chaiban cited significant tranches of child combatants released by the LTTE in March and April, driven in part by the factional [...] |
2004-04-28 11:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM KOCI CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO71 |
COLOMBO FY2003 BFIF CLOSEOUT [...] Post greatly appreciates the support it receives from the BFIF program and staff. It allows the Commercial Section to promote US exports in a region where there is stiff competition from Asian neighbors, and a lack of knowledge about tapping the US market. Both Sri Lanka and the Maldives are [...] |
2004-01-14 01:46:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP BTIO CE MV ETRD ABUD ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO714 |
In Ambassador's first visit to Jaffna, Tamils [...] (C) SUMMARY: During his April 28 visit to the Tamil-majority northern city of Jaffna, Ambassador Lunstead saw life in Jaffna since the April 2 parliamentary elections. A key topic that emerged in conversations with Tamil interlocutors was a deep sense of reservation and skepticism regarding [...] |
2004-04-30 04:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM SOCI MASS KHDP CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO72 |
Donors find agreement over Akashi visit [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Tokyo Co-chairs and the larger donor group both agreed that the Akashi visit should include an informal meeting with the donors only, followed by a meeting with GSL -- and LTTE, if they would come. Meetings will be low-key, with no communique or press release. Akashi wil [...] |
2004-01-14 10:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID CE NO EU JA LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO722 |
Norwegian envoy cautiously optimistic that [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Norwegian delegation found both the Government and the Tigers ready to resume peace negotiations. Much preparatory work is needed before negotiations start, and the Norwegians will be heavily engaged in this process. The President says she knows how to handle the JVP. She [...] |
2004-05-05 08:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO73 |
In further roiling of cohabitation waters, [...] (C) SUMMARY: Late January 13, Sri Lanka's state-run ITN television network broadcast a taped interview with President Kumaratunga. In the interview, Kumaratunga claimed the constitutional right to serve until late 2006. The President also defended her takeover of three ministries in Novem [...] |
2004-01-14 04:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PINR PHUM KPAO CE |
| 04COLOMBO742 |
Maldives: Draft International Religious [...] (U) This message is Sensitive But Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. 2. (U) Per Ref B, Mission submits below the draft Maldives International Religious Freedom report for 2004. A Word document with tracked changes in the final 2003 version of the Maldives report has been sent to [...] |
2004-05-07 05:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL KIRF KSEP MV |
| 04COLOMBO747 |
Peace Process update: Norwegian FM in high- [...] (C) This update on Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following recent developments: -- Norwegian Foreign Minister visits Sri Lanka for meetings with GSL and LTTE leaders. -- LTTE London-based spokesman Anton Balasingham visits Sri Lanka after a year's hiatus. -- Tensions between th [...] |
2004-05-10 11:03:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO749 |
SPECIAL FY-2004 MRP "NGO MANAGEMENT OF YOUTH [...] POST NOMINATES MR. CLIFFORD D. SPECK, FIELD ASSISTANT (PROTECTION/PROGRAM), SATELITE OFFICE- TRINCOMALEE, UNHCR, AS THE PRINCIPAL CANDIDATE AND FR. SUDATH SILVA, ARCH DIOCESAN CHAPLAIN, ST. JOSEPH'S YOUTH CENTER, AS THE ALTERNATE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SUBJECT PROJECT. POST CONFIRMS THAT TH [...] |
2004-05-11 05:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO750 |
SPECIAL FY-2004 MRP "YOUNG LEADERS: EFFECTING [...] POST NOMINATES MS. CHAMPIKA LIYANARACHCHI, POLITICAL COLUMNIST/DEPUTY FEATURES EDITOR, "DAILY MIRROR," AS THE PRINCIPAL CANDIDATE AND MR. SEEVALI AMITIRIGALA, LECTURER, SRI LANKA LAW COLLEGE, AS THE ALTERNATE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SUBJECT PROJECT. POST CONFIRMS THAT THIS NOMINATION HAS "FU [...] |
2004-05-11 05:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO760 |
Amid decline in number of church attacks, new [...] (C) SUMMARY: Over the course of the past several months, there has been a sharp decline in the number of attacks on Christian churches in Sri Lanka compared to the late 2003 - early 2004 timeframe. The decline seems attributable, at least in part, to the public condemnation of the attacks b [...] |
2004-05-11 11:01:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL SOCI KIRF CE |
| 04COLOMBO762 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 069 (05/11/04) [...] No summary [...] |
2004-05-11 11:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV |
| 04COLOMBO765 |
FY-2005 International Visitor Program: Sri Lanka [...] Colombo is pleased to submit the following slate of nominees to the FY-2005 IV program: - U.S. Financial System (March 17-April 7, 2005): M. Zain Mohamed "Aazim," Central Bank of Sri Lanka - Grassroots Democracy II (May 5-26, 2005): Mahindananda "Aluthgamage," Member of Parliament [...] |
2004-05-12 07:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO766 |
FY-2005 International Visitor Program: Maldives [...] Colombo is pleased to submit the following slate of nominees from the Republic of Maldives to the FY-2005 IV program: - U.S. Trade Policy and the World Economy I (October 28-November 18, 2004): Abdul "Harris," Island Aviation Services - U.S. Financial System (March 17-April 7, 2005): [...] |
2004-05-12 07:37:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO767 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 070 (05/12/04) [...] (C) FYI. Mission has heard there may be some negative reaction in Sri Lanka and the Maldives to the news accounts and photos of alleged abuse of Iraqi prisoners. In one case, a USAID contractor working in the ethnically diverse east was told not to visit a project as some Muslims in the area [...] |
2004-05-12 10:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV ECONOMICS LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO770 |
After recent election defeat, UNP leader [...] (C) SUMMARY: UNP leader and former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is under fire from members of his own party who are seeking to clip his wings and/or remove him as party leader. The discontent stems from the view of many party members that Wickremesinghe led the party poorly in the Ap [...] |
2004-05-12 11:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL CE |
| 04COLOMBO772 |
Norwegian facilitators upbeat after meetings [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Norwegians found President Kumaratunga and LTTE Chief Prabhakaran determined to move ahead on negotiations. The sides need to decide agenda, locale and timing. It's months, not weeks, and negotiations could not begin before late-July at a minimum. The new government needs [...] |
2004-05-12 11:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PREL CE NO IN LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO776 |
Counternarcotics Update: Recent large heroin [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Recent counternarcotics developments in Sri Lanka include police seizures of several large shipments of heroin in early May. In other news, the GSL is set to review the possible legalization of marijuana for certain medicinal purposes. Finally, a USG-funded training program [...] |
2004-05-13 11:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | SNAR PGOV PINR PREL EAID CE |
| 04COLOMBO794 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 072 (05/17/04) [...] (SBU) Christina had a successful visit to Trincomalee over the weekend, meeting with a wide variety of people and visiting three AID/OTI projects. Frontchannel reporting on the Sri Lanka portion of her trip will be on the wires Tuesday. The Ambassador reports from Male' that the Maldives po [...] |
2004-05-17 10:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO795 |
Bio-data on Jayantha Dhanapala, new chief of [...] (SBU) On May 14, President Kumaratunga's office issued a press release naming Jayantha Dhanapala as the new Secretary General of the Sri Lankan government's Peace Secretariat (see bio-data below). (The Peace Secretariat, technically known as the "Secretariat for SIPDIS Coordinating the Pe [...] |
2004-05-17 11:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO797 |
MEDIA PLAY: KADIRGAMAR COVERAGE: LONG ON [...] Summary. When Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar visited Washington in mid-May, press coverage in Sri Lanka was long on headlines, short on editorial comment. Newspapers and broadcasters, both English and vernacular, gave extensive coverage to the visit, starting on 5/13 and mo [...] |
2004-05-18 04:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO PHUM OPRC KMDR OIIP PREL CE |
| 04COLOMBO806 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] Post nominates Pushpika G. "Weerakoon", Research Intern, Ministry of Justice, for participation in subject project. Post confirms that this nomination has "full country team approval." 2. Nomination is as follows: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): : The following data is in a f [...] |
2004-05-18 10:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO807 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP "U.S. JUDICIAL SYSTEM I" NOVEMBER 18-DECEMBER 9, 2004. [...] Post nominates Saliya K.M. "Pieris", Attorney-at Law, Supreme Court of Sri Lanka for participation in subject project. Post confirms that this nomination has "full country team approval." 2. Nomination is as follows: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): : The following data is [...] |
2004-05-18 10:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC KPAO SCUL |
| 04COLOMBO808 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] Post nominates T.M. Thusitha N. "Tennakoon", Chief Executive Officer and Director of Studies, Bandaranaike Center for International Studies for participation in subject project. Post confirms that this nomination has "full country team approval." 2. Nomination is as follows: START FIXED [...] |
2004-05-18 10:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO809 |
Peace process, economic issues highlighted [...] (C) SUMMARY: Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs Christina B. Rocca visited Sri Lanka, May 13-16. Highlights of the visit included meetings with President Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Rajapakse, Opposition Leader (and former PM) Wickremesinghe, business leaders, and Tamil politicians. [...] |
2004-05-18 10:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON CE NO LTTE ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO810 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] Post nominates Dushni "Weerakoon", Research Fellow, Institute of Policy Studies, for participation in subject project. Post confirms that this nomination has "full country team approval." 2. Nomination is as follows: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): : The following data is [...] |
2004-05-18 10:25:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO811 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] Post nominates Ven. M. "Mangala" Bhikku, Lecturer, University of Ruhuna, for participation in subject project. Post confirms that this nomination has "full country team approval." 2. Nomination is as follows: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): : The following data is in a fixe [...] |
2004-05-18 10:25:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO812 |
FY 05 REGIONAL IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR [...] Post nominates D. Prashantha J. "DE LIVERA" Senior State Counsel, Attorney General's Department for participation in subject project. Post confirms that this nomination has "full country team approval." 2. Nomination is as follows: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): : The follo [...] |
2004-05-18 10:26:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | SCUL KPAO OECV OEXC |
| 04COLOMBO814 |
FY-05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] No summary [...] |
2004-05-18 10:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO815 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] Post nominates K.T. "Kuruswamy" Member, Colombo Municipal Council for participation in subject project. Post confirms that this nomination has "full country team approval." 2. Nomination is as follows: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): : The following data is in a fixed format [...] |
2004-05-18 10:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO816 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 073 (05/18/04) [...] (C) FYI. After almost a month's hiatus, Sri Lanka's Parliament reopened today (May 18). The first order of business was the selection of the new Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Deputy Chairman of Committees. In sharp contrast to the fractious, raucous scenes that attended the election to [...] |
2004-05-18 10:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV |
| 04COLOMBO817 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] No summary [...] |
2004-05-18 11:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OEXC SCUL |
| 04COLOMBO822 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] No summary [...] |
2004-05-19 05:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO825 |
Ambassador and Special Envoy Akashi discuss [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a May 19 meeting with Ambassador Lunstead, visiting Japanese Special Envoy Akashi was relatively upbeat about the peace process based on his discussions with the GSL and LTTE. The Ambassador and Akashi also discussed the June 1 Co-Chairs meeting in Brussels, agreeing it was [...] |
2004-05-19 08:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE JA NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO827 |
In May 18 meeting, Ambassador and [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador clarified for Foreign Minister that selection as an MCA candidate country is no guarantee of funding, and that much hard work remained before an MCA compact could be signed. On peace process, Foreign Minister admitted that interim arrangements will be the only agenda [...] |
2004-05-19 11:25:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID PINR CE ECONOMICS LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO832 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: MALDIVIAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): : The following data is in a fixed format which enables : automated processing in Washington and should not be : edited except by means of the Post-EVDB software. EXPORT-SOURCE: POST-EVDB VERSION: 3.0.7 POST-EMAIL: tilakawardenac@state.gov TRANSM [...] |
2004-05-20 06:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO833 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: MALDIVIAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] No summary [...] |
2004-05-20 06:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO834 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: MALDIVIAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] No summary [...] |
2004-05-20 06:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO837 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] Post nominates Ms. Kasupathy "Kunthavie" Administrative Officer, Suriya Women's Development Centre for participation in subject project. Post confirms that this nomination has "full country team approval." 2. Nomination is as follows: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): NOMI [...] |
2004-05-20 08:58:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO839 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MPR [...] Post nominates Gajendran "Ponnambalam" Member of Parliament, and Anura R. "Solomons", deputy editor/foreign news editor of "Divaina" Sinhala daily newspaper, as principle candidates for participation in subject project. Post confirms that these nominations have "Full country team approval". [...] |
2004-05-20 09:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO840 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] Post nominates T.M.G. "Chandrasekera" Deputy Director News and Current Affairs, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, for participation in subject project. Post confirms that this nomination has "full country team approval." 2. Nomination is as follows: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT [...] |
2004-05-20 09:07:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO842 |
Maldives: A/S Rocca's visit shows reform has [...] (C/NF) SUMMARY: Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina B. Rocca visited Maldives, May 16-17. Highlights of the visit included meetings with President Gayoom, FM Fathulla Jameel, Defense Minister Adam, Human Rights Commissioner Mujthaba, and UNDP Resident Representati [...] |
2004-05-20 10:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PHUM ECON SENV MOPS MV |
| 04COLOMBO843 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] Post nominates Soundarie "David", Researcher/Project Coordinator, International Center for Ethnic Studies for participation in subject project. Post confirms that this nomination has "full country team approval." 2. Nomination is as follows: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): [...] |
2004-05-20 10:58:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO850 |
FY-05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP "U.S. [...] Post nominates M. Zain Mohamed "Aazim", Assistant Manager/Economist, Central Bank of Sri Lanka for participation in subject project. Post confirms that this nomination has "full country team approval." 2. Nomination is as follows: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): : The follo [...] |
2004-05-21 04:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO854 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] Post nominates Prabaghan "Ratnasabapathy" News Editor, "Virekesari" newspaper for participation in subject project. Post confirms that this nomination has "full country team approval." 2. Nomination is as follows: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO NOT EDIT): : The following data is in a [...] |
2004-05-21 06:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO856 |
Maldives: Proposals for Human Rights and [...] (U) This message is Sensitive But Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. 2. (U) Per Ref B, Mission submits two small-grant project proposals for DRL Human Rights and Democracy funding for the Maldives. Detailed below, the first project involves the Maldivian Human Rights Commission [...] |
2004-05-21 06:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KDEM SOCI EAID ELAB MV |
| 04COLOMBO86 |
SRI LANKAN ECONOMY GROWS 5.5% IN THIRD [...] Summary: The Sri Lankan economy expanded by 5.6% in the third quarter, in line with the projected growth of 5.5% for 2003. The Central Bank said the 5.5% growth for the full year was still achievable, despite recent political divisions and uncertainties. The Central Bank, however, stressed t [...] |
2004-01-16 06:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD CE USTR ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO862 |
FY 05 IV PROGRAM: SRI LANKAN NOMINEE FOR MRP [...] No summary [...] |
2004-05-24 07:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 04COLOMBO864 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 075 (05/24/04) [...] (SBU) FYI. Late May 21, longtime UNP MP and former Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando formally joined President Kumaratunga's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). The probable reason for Fernando's defection is his ire at the UNP for being left off the UNP's "national list," and thus out of Parlia [...] |
2004-05-24 11:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | SECRET | AMGT CE MV |
| 04COLOMBO868 |
Spate of killings in eastern Sri Lanka as [...] (C) SUMMARY: A spate of killings has taken place recently in eastern Sri Lanka, amid public statements by the Tigers indicating their support for the peace track moving forward. The killings in the east, which are almost certainly connected to the LTTE, seem to stem from leftover factional [...] |
2004-05-25 10:23:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO870 |
Sri Lanka: Upcoming meeting of the Co-Chairs [...] (C) SUMMARY: On June 1, the four Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, the U.S., and EU) of the Tokyo Process are scheduled to meet in Brussels. The meeting is an important one and will build on recent visits to Sri Lanka by the Norwegian facilitators, GoJ Special Envoy Akashi, and SA A/S Rocca. Recen [...] |
2004-05-25 10:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER EAID PGOV CE JA NO EU IN LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO877 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 076 (05/26/04) [...] (C) FYI. We received a call today from the Ops Center asking whether President Kumaratunga's rescheduling of her planned meeting with visiting GoN envoy Erik Solheim was a deliberate snub. (The meeting was slated to take place on May 25 and is now scheduled to take place later this week, fr [...] |
2004-05-26 10:47:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO88 |
Potential alliance between radical JVP and the [...] (C) SUMMARY: A long-negotiated accord between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the extremist, Marxist Janantha Vimukthi Peramuna party is scheduled to finally be signed on January 20. There is little information on the exact nature of the proposed accord and how it addresses the on-going pea [...] |
2004-01-16 06:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO881 |
FY-04 IV PROGRAM: SINGLE COUNTRY GROUP PROJECT ON [...] Post nominates the following five candidates for participation in the subject project. The Fifth nominee's detailed bio would follow in separate cable. Post confirms that these nominations have "full country team approval." 2. Nominations are as follow: START FIXED-FORMAT TEXT (PLEASE DO [...] |
2004-05-27 04:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | SCUL KPAO OECV OEXC |
| 04COLOMBO888 |
Sri Lanka Exceeds 2003 GDP Expectations; Serious [...] (SBU) Summary: The Sri Lankan economy responded remarkably well to continued peace and economic reforms in 2003, and stymied naysayers who thought political instability during the final quarter would hurt overall growth. GDP grew by 5.9%. Per capita GDP rose to $947. There were commendable [...] |
2004-05-27 10:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EAID CE USTR ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO894 |
Sri Lanka: Draft International Religious [...] (U) This is Senstive But Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. 2. (U) Per Ref B, Mission submits below the draft Sri Lanka International Religious Freedom report for 2004. A Word document with tracked changes in the final 2003 version of the Sri Lanka report has been sent to the D [...] |
2004-05-28 04:50:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL KIRF KSEP CE |
| 04COLOMBO897 |
Political update: Norwegian Envoy's visit; [...] (C) This update on Sri Lanka's political situation reviews the following recent developments: -- In latest visit, Norwegian Envoy characterizes meetings with GSL and Tigers as "fruitful." -- Several new ministerial appointments announced. -- Provincial Council elections look set to take [...] |
2004-05-28 05:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR ECON CE NO |
| 04COLOMBO907 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 078 (06/01/04) [...] (SBU) The MCC team has started to arrive. They have an in-house dinner at the DCM's this evening, a few events on the holiday tomorrow and then very busy schedules on Thursday and Friday. Lots of interest from the Sri Lankan side so it should be a very productive program. (DCM TAMIL JOUR [...] |
2004-06-01 10:34:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO911 |
Co-chairs meeting in Brussels receives a [...] (C) SUMMARY: Local reaction to the Sri Lanka donor co-chairs meeting held in Brussels on June 1 has been largely positive. Embassy interlocutors were appreciative of the international community's sustained support for the peace process. Media coverage has been light so far and focused on t [...] |
2004-06-03 10:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID CE NO JA EU LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO912 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 079 (06/03/04) [...] (C) World Bank ResRep Peter Harrold travelled to Kilinocchi on June 1 to attempt to obtain LTTE agreement to a plan for a development assistance scheme for the North and East, a "NERF-Lite" which would have allowed donors to commit funds to a World Bank fund. Projects would have had approval b [...] |
2004-06-03 10:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO915 |
Co-Chairs' June 1 statement stirs up more [...] (C) SUMMARY: Foreign Minister Kadirgamar told Ambassador that the Co-Chairs' Brussels statement could be seen as a "threat" to the GSL. In the Wanni, the LTTE rejected a World Bank proposal for a mechanism to deliver development funds for the north/east. The Co- Chairs' statement clearly p [...] |
2004-06-04 05:37:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EAID PTER CE NO JA EU LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO927 |
Still No GSL Economic Policy Framework, but Some [...] (SBU) Summary: Recent visits by the IMF, ADB and Millennium Challenge Corporation have inspired a flurry of economic policy activity on the part of the Sri Lankan Government. It did not pull an economic plan together prior to the visits, although a Senior Advisor to the President has indicat [...] |
2004-06-07 10:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EAID CE USTR ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO933 |
MALDIVES: MAJOR ECONOMIC CHANGES ON THE HORIZON? [...] (U) Econoff traveled to Male, and Gan May 17-20 and learned about the following economic activities: -- New Legislation -- Major Construction Opportunities -- Garment Factories Closing -- New International Airport -- Customs Cooperation and Agreement -- Terrorist Financing -- GLOBE New [...] |
2004-06-08 02:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BEXP EAIR ECON EFIN ETRD MV PREL SNAR ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO937 |
NEW MINISTERS DISCUSS CONTINUITY, BUT NO DETAILS [...] (SBU) Summary: In introductory meetings with Ambassador in April and May, the Ministers of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Power and Energy, Investment and Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources and Ports and Aviation stated that many existing programs would continue, reforms would be mode [...] |
2004-06-08 10:34:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV SENV CE ENRG ETRD ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO939 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 081 (06/08/04) [...] (C) FYI. On June 8, Parliament met for the third time since the April elections and chaos reigned again. Details are still unclear, but Buddhist monks MPs in the JHU party came to blows with MPs from the President's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) regarding the validity of replacing [...] |
2004-06-08 11:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV |
| 04COLOMBO940 |
In meeting with Ambassador, Colombo Plan SG [...] (C) On June 8, Kittipan Kanjanapipatkul, Colombo Plan Secretary General, briefed the Ambassador on the agenda of the upcoming June 14-16 39th Consultative Committee Meeting (CCM) to be held in Tehran, Iran. (There will not be any USG attendance at the meeting in Tehran.) Specifically, the Se [...] |
2004-06-08 11:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | SNAR AORC PREL CE |
| 04COLOMBO950 |
SOURCE REPORT ON MUSLIM MILITANCY IN SRI LANKA [...] (C/NF) On 6/01/04, RSO and RSO/FSNI interviewed former Directorate of Internal Intelligence (DII) desk officer M.I. CADER (Source) at Embassy Colombo (cell phone 0777-598768, email - iqbalcader@yahoo.co.in). Source was a former police academy classmate of the RSO/FSNI, is recently retired and [...] |
2004-06-09 06:03:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ASEC CE PTER |
| 04COLOMBO951 |
SRI LANKA: REPORT ON INVESTMENT DISPUTES AND [...] No summary [...] |
2004-06-09 08:37:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV EFIN PGOV KIDE CASC CE OPIC ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO953 |
Recent meetings show the way forward for Sri [...] (C) SUMMARY: Opposition Leader Wickremesinghe thought the Co-Chairs statement was good, but that the President and her government do not understand the psychology of the LTTE, and are determined to begin talks on the final ("hard") issues. He also thinks the military is using LTTE rebel Kar [...] |
2004-06-09 09:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO960 |
GSL TRADE MINISTER TO REQUEST FTA DURING DC VISIT [...] No summary [...] |
2004-06-09 10:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON CE ERTD USTR ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO962 |
AG AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS TOP GSL LIST FOR [...] (SBU) Summary: During its June 1-4 visit to Sri Lanka, the Millennium Challenge Corporation team met with a broad cross-section of government and society. Poor agricultural policies and slow rural development topped the list of perceived obstacles to economic growth, with poor infrastructur [...] |
2004-06-09 11:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EAID CE USTR ECONOMICS LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO966 |
"Double 00" Hit on Well-Known Tamil Politician [...] (C) By Septel, our consular chief is submitting a Visas Donkey cable regarding the June 9 visa application of Rajavarothiam Sampanthan, a veteran Tamil politician and respected member of Parliament representing the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). Mr. Sampanthan applied for a visa to attend th [...] |
2004-06-10 08:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | CVIS PREL PINR PTER CE LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO970 |
Controversial anti-conversion bill tabled for [...] (C) SUMMARY: An MP has published a draft religious "anti-conversion" bill and intends to present it before Parliament as a private member's bill. The GSL has not publicly formulated an opinion on the draft bill and is waiting to review it before commenting further. Christian groups, especia [...] |
2004-06-10 10:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL KIRF CE |
| 04COLOMBO973 |
July 4 Invitation to Palestinian Ambassador [...] (C) Reftel guidance advises posts to query Department about inviting Palestinian ambassadors to July 4 receptions if there is any indication the individual has been involved in terrorism. We intend to invited the local Palestinian ambassador, Attalla Subhi Qubia, and have no adverse inform [...] |
2004-06-10 10:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ODIP PTER CE IS PLO |
| 04COLOMBO983 |
In meeting with Ambassador, President [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a June 11 meeting with the Ambassador, President Kumaratunga expressed her appreciation for the Co-Chairs' support for the peace process and indicated her desire and difficulties in getting the Tigers back to peace negotiations. Her flexibility on the substance of the propos [...] |
2004-06-14 10:44:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1004 |
SRI LANKA: SCENESETTER FOR JUNE 13 CO-CHAIRS [...] (C) Little has been achieved toward advancing the peace process in the year since President Chandrika Kumaratunga's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) took over the government in April 2004. The President and her inner circle blame both the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), with [...] |
2005-06-03 06:27:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV PREL CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1016 |
MALDIVES: THREE PARTIES PRE-REGISTER [...] (U) On June 5 the Home Ministry approved applications from three groups to begin the work needed to register as political parties. The three groups included the Dhivehi Raiyithunge Party (Malidivian People's Party), founded by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom; the Dhivehi Raiyithunge Democratic [...] |
2005-06-06 11:23:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM MV |
| 05COLOMBO1019 |
SRI LANKA: JVP THREATENS SHOWDOWN, PRESIDENT [...] (C) With coalition partner Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) still threatening to withdraw from the government if President Chandrika Kumaratunga signs the "joint mechanism" on tsunami aid with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Kumaratunga is seeking support for the controversial agr [...] |
2005-06-07 13:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV PREL IN CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1020 |
Pro-JVP Media Minister Persuaded to Resign [...] (SBU) Summary: Aviation, Ports and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera resigned from the media portfolio today amid speculation the President had asked him to do so due to his alleged favoritism towards the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna(JVP), the government's Marxist/Sinhala nationalist junior all [...] |
2005-06-08 01:39:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KPAO PTER EAID OIIP PREL CE |
| 05COLOMBO1026 |
2005 REPORT ON INVESTMENT DISPUTES AND [...] The following dispute is being submitted for 2005 as per section 527 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act (FRAA) for Sri Lanka: (A) Claimant A (B) 2004 (C) Claimant had been contracted in June 2000 to provide power to the national grid under a combined cycle agreement signed [...] |
2005-06-08 09:56:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | CASC EFIN EINV KIDE PGOV OPIC |
| 05COLOMBO1027 |
NORWEGIANS AND FOREIGN SECRETARY ON CURRENT STATE [...] (C) Summary. The Norwegian Ambassador describes his June 7 meeting with LTTE political chief Tamilchelvam as "mixed," with the LTTE focused on the "transportation issue" and not willing to agree to a meeting with the GSL to discuss strengthening the CFA. Foreign Secretary Palihakkara conce [...] |
2005-06-08 11:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PHUM CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1030 |
SRI LANKAN POST-TSUNAMI RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE [...] (U) This cable is for the post-tsunami IAWG meeting on June 9, 2005. Transitional Housing -------------------- 2. (SBU) Transitional housing re-entered the limelight this week following a meeting convened by the Finance Secretary at the request of the International Financial SIPDIS I [...] |
2005-06-09 10:50:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON PGOV CE MV |
| 05COLOMBO1031 |
GSL AIMS FOR MID-SUMMER MCA COMPACT PROPOSAL [...] (SBU) Summary: The Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) has begun to use provincial-level meetings to form local steering committees to review the GSL's Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Concept Paper and provide feedback to the Finance Ministry. The process has largely been an effort to get valid [...] |
2005-06-09 10:52:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON EFIN CE |
| 05COLOMBO1033 |
SRI LANKA: JVP DIGGING IN HEELS OVER JOINT [...] (C) In a June 8 conversation with poloffs, Somawansa Amarasinghe, Leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), confirmed his party's determination to quit the United People's Front Alliance (UPFA) if President Chandrika Kumaratunga proceeds with plans to sign a so-called "joint mechanism" o [...] |
2005-06-09 11:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1034 |
SUPREME COURT OVERTURNS CONVICTIONS IN LANDMARK [...] (SBU) ON MAY 27, THE SUPREME COURT OF SRI LANKA EXONERATED THE FOUR REMAINING MEN CONVICTED OF PARTICIPATING IN THE BINDUNUWEWA MASSACRE OF OCTOBER 2000, WHICH LEFT 27 TAMIL YOUTHS DEAD AND 14 INJURED AT A DETENTION CENTER IN BADULLA DISTRICT. THE FIFTH SUSPECT WAS ACQUITTED IN JULY 2004. [...] |
2005-06-09 11:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV CE |
| 05COLOMBO1039 |
PRESIDENT TELLS AMBASSADOR SHE IS UNDER PRESSURE, [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga told Ambassador she intends to sign the Joint Mechanism, she hopes by end of the month. She believes the JVP will not leave the Government if she signs. She asked for strong Co-Chair support for the Joint Mechanism. She will discuss the Joint Mechanism wi [...] |
2005-06-10 04:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EAID PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1044 |
SRI LANKA: MONKS, SOME MUSLIMS OPPOSE JOINT [...] (C) The controversy surrounding the proposed "joint mechanism" to coordinate tsunami aid with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has deepened following unanimous public opposition from the chief prelates of all four Buddhist chapters. At a June 10 press conference, Government allian [...] |
2005-06-10 08:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1050 |
SEVENTH SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING OF SOUTH ASIA [...] SUMMARY. THE SEVENTH SARI/ENERGY SEMI-ANNUAL REVIEW MEETING WAS HELD IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA ON JUNE 1-3, 2005. A SARI/ENERGY SPONSORED REGIONAL ENERGY SECURITY REPORT PREPARED BY INDEPENDENT EXPERTS IN THE REGION LAID OUT RECOMENDATIONS AND ACTIONS FOR ADDRESSING REGIONAL ENERGY SHORTAGES AND [...] |
2005-06-13 10:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL ENRG KSCA XD ECONOMICS |
| 05COLOMBO1052 |
SRI LANKA: FASTS AND FURIOUS: MONKS AND MARXISTS [...] (SBU) President Chandrika Kumaratunga continues to face staunch opposition from Marxist coalition partner Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the Buddhist nationalist Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) over her plans to sign an agreement on tsunami relief with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam S [...] |
2005-06-13 12:17:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PTER CE OPIC LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1053 |
SRI LANKA: STALEMATE OVER STATUE IN TRINCOMALEE [...] (SBU) Summary: During a June 8-10 visit to the eastern district of Trincomalee, poloff and POL FSN conducted a series of discussions with government officials, religious leaders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and human rights activists. While somewhat muted and at times overshado [...] |
2005-06-14 12:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV PHUM PREL KIRF CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1056 |
FACTIONS STILL MONK(EY)ING AROUND WITH JOINT [...] (U) On June 13 the President launched a campaign to garner public support for the proposed joint mechanism (JM) to distribute tsunami aid (Reftel A). The President has asked all the Members of Parliament in her coalition to raise awareness about the JM in their constituencies. She has reques [...] |
2005-06-15 01:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO106 |
MALDIVES - EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMIS: USAID/DART [...] According to the Maldives National Disaster Management Center (NDMC), as of January 12, the earthquake and tsunamis killed 82 people and 26 residents are missing in Maldives. On January 10, four USAID/Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) members conducted an assessment trip to Maldives. A [...] |
2005-01-13 10:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID AEMR PREL PGOV CE MV |
| 05COLOMBO1063 |
Special Media Reaction: Statement of the co- [...] (U) Summary: Sri Lankan media provided prominent, widespread and positive coverage to the statement issued June 13 by the Tokyo donors' conference co-chairs following their Washington meeting. Electronic media reported the statement on Tuesday, June 14, while all print media carried front-pa [...] |
2005-06-15 10:43:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KPAO PTER EAID OIIP PREL CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1065 |
SRI LANKA: PRESIDENT REVIEWS OPTIONS AS DEADLINE [...] (U) As of COB June 15, Government coalition partner Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was sticking to its ultimatum to President Chandrika Kumaratunga to abandon plans to sign a "joint mechanism" on tsunami aid with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by midnight June 16 or face the dis [...] |
2005-06-15 13:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO107 |
MALDIVES: DESPITE DISASTER, PARLIAMENTARY [...] (C) Summary: Parliamentary elections, postponed from December 31 after the tsunami that hit Maldives December 26, have been rescheduled for January 22. The government's desire to go ahead is understandable in order to avoid charges that it is using the tsunami to put off an election it does [...] |
2005-01-13 11:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM AEMR MV |
| 05COLOMBO1071 |
SRI LANKAN POST-TSUNAMI RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE [...] (U) This cable provides information for the June 16 post-Tsunami IAWG meeting. Please see action request in para 10. Maldives -------- 2. (U) Econchief and USAID Environment Officer visited Maldives on June 13 to discuss USD 8.7 million contribution to the GORM Tsunami Relief and Reconst [...] |
2005-06-16 10:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON PGOV CE MV |
| 05COLOMBO1073 |
SRI LANKA: JVP JUMPS SHIP; PRESIDENT PADDLING [...] (SBU) Summary: As threatened, on June 16 coalition partner Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) left the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government after President Chandrika Kumaratunga refused to meet its demand to abandon the so-called "joint mechanism" on tsunami aid with the Liberati [...] |
2005-06-16 11:32:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE |
| 05COLOMBO1079 |
SRI LANKA: OPPOSITION PREDICTS PARLIAMENTARY [...] (C) In a June 17 meeting, Karu Jayasuriya, Deputy Leader of the opposition United National Party (UNP), told poloff that while none of the major parties wants polls right now, he "would not be surprised" if President Chandrika Kumaratunga called parliamentary elections in "three or four month [...] |
2005-06-17 05:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE |
| 05COLOMBO1088 |
SRI LANKA'S JOINT MECHANISM: DEBATES OVER THE [...] (SBU) Summary. Political parties and citizens continue to debate the Joint Mechanism (JM) for tsunami relief, and although the President continues to express her determination to go forward with the JM, she has not yet done so. Various parties are criticizing the JM, and the longer she waits [...] |
2005-06-20 12:10:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1089 |
TRINCOMALEE STILL RESTIVE; BUDDHA STATUE STAYS FOR [...] (SBU) On June 17, the Court of Appeals suspended until June 30 the Trincomalee Magistrate's decision to remove all unauthorized religious statues, including a controversial Buddha statue erected by a pro-Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) union, from Trincomalee town (REFTEL). Despite the rel [...] |
2005-06-20 12:32:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER PGOV PHUM KIRF PREL CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1097 |
MALDIVES SEEKS "MANAGED CHANGE" AS PARTIES REGISTER [...] (SBU) To date five organizations have completed the pre-registration process required to become political parties in Maldives. In a June 16 meeting with the Ambassador in Colombo, Maldivian Foreign Secretary Abdul Hamid Zakariyya said that the Government of Republic of Maldives (GORM) is "tr [...] |
2005-06-22 06:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL MV |
| 05COLOMBO1100 |
Post-Tsunami Struggles for Sri Lankan and [...] Summary: Six months after the December 26 tsunami, Sri Lanka's tourist industry is lagging. According to major tour operators, tourist arrivals have fallen sharply in 2005. While the government has reported an 8% increase in arrivals in the first 5 months of 2005, tour operators say that m [...] |
2005-06-22 09:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD CE MV |
| 05COLOMBO1101 |
SRI LANKAN POST-TSUNAMI RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE [...] (U) This cable provides information for the June 23 post-Tsunami IAWG meeting. Maldives Update --------------- 2. (SBU) We are still waiting for Government of Maldives (GORM) Planning Department feedback for potential projects. Nonetheless, given Washington guidance that uses for the mo [...] |
2005-06-22 09:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON PGOV CE MV |
| 05COLOMBO1112 |
NORWEGIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER ON JOINT [...] (C) Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen told donors on June 23 that the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) will sign a controversial agreement to coordinate tsunami aid with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) early June 24. The so-called "joint mechanism" agreement is also exp [...] |
2005-06-23 10:55:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1113 |
UNICEF SEES DECLINE IN LTTE RECRUIMENT OF CHILDREN [...] (U) The recruitment of child soldiers by the Liberation Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE) has significantly and steadily declined since January, according to reports received by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The LTTE recently renewed its promise to halt underage recruiting in a June 1 [...] |
2005-06-24 03:39:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV SOCI PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1116 |
JOINT MECHANISM SIGNED BY GSL, PARLIAMENT [...] (C) According to sources in the Presidential Secretariat, M.S. Jayasinghe, the Secretary of the Ministry of Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation (RRR), signed the Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS), also known as the Joint Mechanism (JM) for tsunami aid distribution, [...] |
2005-06-24 07:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1119 |
SRI LANKA - EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMIS: USAID/DART [...] The USAID/Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) Program Officer, USAID/Colombo Humanitarian Assistance Program Manager (HAPM) and USAID/Colombo Development Outreach and Communications Officer (DOC) traveled to Galle and Matara districts from June 13 through 15 to monitor USAID/OFDA [...] |
2005-06-27 05:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID AEMR PREL PGOV CE |
| 05COLOMBO1122 |
SRI LANKA: GSL WILL REFLECT ON US PRIORITIES FOR [...] (C) Summary. The Ambassador delivered Reftel demarches to Foreign Secretary H.M.G.S. Palihakkara on June 24. Palihakkara indicated that the GSL will likely vote in favor of the framework resolution that increases the Security Council to 24 members. He said that his government might consider [...] |
2005-06-27 06:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV AORC KUNR CE |
| 05COLOMBO1127 |
Special Media Reaction: Predictable Coverage of [...] (U) Summary: Sri Lankan media provided widespread prominent editorial coverage of the June 24 signing of the Joint Mechanism (Post-Tsunami Management Structure, P-TOMS) between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in high circulation Sunday edition newsp [...] |
2005-06-27 11:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KPAO PTER EAID OIIP PREL CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1128 |
SRI LANKA: COALITION CRACKING, CHAUVINISTS [...] (C) Three days after the Government signed an agreement to coordinate tsunami aid with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), opposition to the Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS), also known as the "joint mechanism," among President Chandrika Kumaratunga's political [...] |
2005-06-27 13:12:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1149 |
SRI LANKA: DEMARCHES ON UN REFORM [...] No summary [...] |
2005-06-30 11:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC CE KUNR PGOV PREL UN |
| 05COLOMBO1151 |
SRI LANKA: WHAT COMES AFTER THE P-TOMS? [...] (C) President Chandrika Kumaratunga's decision to sign the controversial Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS), also known as the "joint mechanism," has clearly surprised her political allies and enemies alike, leaving many of them scrambling to strategize next moves. In the [...] |
2005-06-30 12:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1153 |
SRI LANKA: CHRISTIAN PASTOR RECOUNTS JUNE ATTACK [...] (U) Poloffs and POL FSN traveled to Ambalangoda in Galle district on June 28 to follow up a reported attack on an Assembly of God property on June 5 and 6. Pastor Yogesh Mudalige of the Assembly of God church complained that police, despite being made aware of the June 5 attack, failed to pre [...] |
2005-07-01 05:12:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KIRF PHUM CE |
| 05COLOMBO1155 |
Maldives - EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMIS: [...] On June 4 and 5, the USAID/Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) Information Officer traveled to the Republic of Maldives (ROM) to assess the recovery efforts and monitor the USAID/Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) funded tsunami recovery activities. During the visit, the [...] |
2005-07-05 05:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID AEMR PREL PGOV CE UNICEF |
| 05COLOMBO1157 |
NEGOTIATIONS ON ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES AND BENEFIT [...] Legislation and regulation of research and collection of biological resources: Sri Lanka does not have a unified set of laws that cover all aspects of research and specimen collection on biological and genetic resources. Several articles and provisions of legislation address research aspect [...] |
2005-07-05 10:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID SENV TBIO CE ECONOMICS |
| 05COLOMBO1158 |
SRI LANKA NOT OPPOSED TO SETHUSAMUDRAM SHIP CANAL [...] Summary: The Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) is reconciled to the implementation of the Sethusamudram project as it is within the territorial waters of Sri Lanka. This project proposes the linking of the Arabian sea with the Bay of Bengal by dredging shallow waters to the north of Sri Lanka, th [...] |
2005-07-05 11:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON PREL ETRD SENV CE ECONOMICS |
| 05COLOMBO1159 |
SRI LANKA WILL SUPPORT U.S. POSITION ON NEW [...] Embassy presented Ref A demarche to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 24. As reported Ref B, at that time the MFA could provide no specific response. 2. On June 28 the Embassy received a diplomatic note by fax from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs communicating Governm [...] |
2005-07-05 11:47:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC KNNP MNUC TRGY CE IAEA |
| 05COLOMBO1160 |
SRI LANKA: OPPOSITION UNP BEGINS MOVEMENT TO [...] (U) Summary. On July 2 the Opposition United National Party kicked off a ten-day march to protest the high cost of living and demand presidential elections this year. Their movement, which began July 2 and will run through July 12, seems to be a campaign for future elections, be they preside [...] |
2005-07-05 11:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV CE |
| 05COLOMBO1169 |
SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT ANTI-CONVERSION BILL MOVES [...] (SBU) According to D.W. Abeywickrema, Secretary at the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs, the Government-drafted anti-conversion bill, which was approved by the Cabinet in March (Ref B), was sent to the Government Printer on July 5 for publication in the Parliamentary Gazette. (Note: Being "gaze [...] |
2005-07-06 11:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM KIRF CE |
| 05COLOMBO1180 |
SRI LANKAN POST-TSUNAMI RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE (JULY [...] (U) This cable provides information for the July 7, 2005 post-Tsunami IAWG meeting. Maldives Update --------------- 2. (SBU) Fathmath Nuzuha, Assistant Undersecretary of External Resources Management at the Ministry of Finance and Treasury has informed the embassy that the GORM wants to [...] |
2005-07-07 11:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON PGOV CE MV |
| 05COLOMBO1182 |
SRI LANKA: MUSLIM LEADER RALLYING OPPOSITION TO [...] (C) Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem continues to urge members of his community to oppose the Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS), also known as the "joint mechanism," signed by the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) [...] |
2005-07-07 12:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1183 |
LICENSING CONDITIONS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS [...] In Sri Lanka, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) charges fees in connection with licensing fixed line services in excess of what is required to cover administrative expenses. The level of fees depends on the type of license to be issued and licensing conditions. [...] |
2005-07-07 17:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD CE |
| 05COLOMBO1189 |
MALDIVES: MAJOR SHIFT IN PRESIDENT'S CABINET [...] (C) On July 7, poloff met in Male with members of the recently registered Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) that opposes the current government. MDP offical Ali Hashim told poloff that he had met with Presidential Spokesman Ahmed Shaheed and requested that the President's office compromise by [...] |
2005-07-08 05:56:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV MV |
| 05COLOMBO1190 |
SRI LANKAN PARLIAMENT PASSES SUPPRESSION OF [...] (U) On July 7 in a vote of 81-21, the Sri Lankan parliament passed a bill giving effect to the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing. 2. (U) The quorum of 102 parliamentarians voted along political lines with the ruling Sri Lankan Freedom Party, main opposition United Natio [...] |
2005-07-08 06:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PTER PHUM CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1198 |
SRI LANKA NOT DECIDED ON G-4 FRAMEWORK RESOLUTION [...] (SBU) Ambassador raised issue of G-4 Framework Resolution on UNSC Expansion with Foreign Secretary Palihakkara on July 8, using points in reftel. Ambassador added that we recognized that Sri Lanka had given public support to the G-4's proposal for UNSC seats, but that this did not necessarily [...] |
2005-07-11 05:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL CE UNSC |
| 05COLOMBO1209 |
SRI LANKA SUPPORTS COMPREHENSIVE CONVENTION ON [...] No summary [...] |
2005-07-13 05:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER CE UNGA |
| 05COLOMBO1212 |
MALDIVES: DEMOCRACY IS NO DAY AT THE BEACH [...] (SBU) Summary. On a recent trip to Maldives, poloff spoke with government officials and members of the newly registered opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) about the country's improvements to the police and judicial systems and its transition to multi-party democracy. While the Govern [...] |
2005-07-13 08:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM MV |
| 05COLOMBO1216 |
CALLS FOR ELECTIONS AS THE UNP MARCHES THROUGH [...] (U) As the opposition United National Party (UNP) concluded its 10-day Janbala Meheyuma (People's Power March) to Colombo on July 12, the party focused on pressuring the Commissioner of Elections Dayananda Dissanayake to call for Presidential elections this year (Ref A). Continued silence f [...] |
2005-07-13 11:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PHUM CE |
| 05COLOMBO1217 |
SRI LANKA RESPONDS TO LTTE ULTIMATUM AND OTHER [...] No summary [...] |
2005-07-13 11:42:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1218 |
SRI LANKAN POST-TSUNAMI RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE (JULY [...] (U) This cable provides information for the July 13, 2005 post-Tsunami IAWG meeting. Maldives Update --------------- 2. (SBU) The Government of Maldives (GORM) informed Econoff that Riluwan Shareef, Executive Director of the Ministry of Finance, met with the Ministry of Planning on July [...] |
2005-07-13 13:03:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON PGOV CE MV |
| 05COLOMBO1224 |
LTTE CLOSES FIELD OFFICES AMID CEASE FIRE [...] (C) The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have ordered all political cadres to close field offices in the Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts of the Eastern Province and return to LTTE headquarters in Kilinochi, Northern Province. The LTTE has also ordered all 22 Tamil National Allian [...] |
2005-07-14 12:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1229 |
PRESIDENT SAYS SHE NEEDS TO FIND WAY TO STOP [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a conversation with the Ambassador, President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga expressed her surprise at the gazetting of a Government drafted anti-conversion bill and indicated she would try to find a way to stop the bill from moving forward. In response to the bill's gazet [...] |
2005-07-15 05:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV KIRF PHUM CE |
| 05COLOMBO1245 |
SRI LANKA WILL "CONSIDER US DEMARCHE" ON G-4 [...] (SBU) Sumedha Ekanayake, the Foreign Ministry's Assistant Director of UN and Multilateral Affairs, told poloff in a July 14 phone conversation that the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) will vote in favor of the G-4 Framework Resolution at the UN General Assembly. However, the GSL will not co-spo [...] |
2005-07-18 06:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL OTRA OVIP KSEP CE UNGA |
| 05COLOMBO1247 |
SRI LANKA QUALIFIES FOR EU GSP PLUS BENEFITS [...] Summary: Sri Lanka is among a group of 14 developing countries which qualified for duty free access to European Union (EU) under the EU GSP plus scheme from July 1, 2005. As a result, most Sri Lankan exports from apparel (Sri Lanka's main export) to ceramics will be eligible to enter EU mark [...] |
2005-07-18 08:56:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD CE ECONOMICS |
| 05COLOMBO125 |
SRI LANKA AND MALDIVES - EARTHQUAKE AND [...] As of January 13, according to the Center for National Operations (CNO), the earthquake and tsunamis had killed 30,899 people in Sri Lanka. The USAID/Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) conducted assessments in Ampara District and Trincomolee to view the damage caused by the earthquake [...] |
2005-01-17 04:07:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID AEMR PREL PGOV CE |
| 05COLOMBO1253 |
World Bank Report Details Weaknesses of Sri [...] Summary: The World Bank issued its long-delayed report on education in Sri Lanka at a conference in Colombo June 30, painting a grim picture of the state of education in a country once known for its relatively progressive and equitable system. The study, compiled in the past year by a team [...] |
2005-07-18 11:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | SCUL KPAO EAID OIIP PREL CE |
| 05COLOMBO1255 |
SRI LANKA: SUPREME COURT ORDERS TEMPORARY STAY ON [...] (SBU) In response to petitions filed by members of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party, a three-member panel of the Supreme Court (SC) granted a temporary stay order for four key sections of the Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS) on July 15 (Reftel). Despit [...] |
2005-07-18 11:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PHUM PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1258 |
DETERIORATING SECURITY ALARMS CO-CHAIRS [...] (C) The July 15 ruling by the Sri Lankan Supreme Court (SC) concerning a constitutional challenge to the Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS) (SEPTEL) combined with the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) refusal of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ultimatum to increase [...] |
2005-07-18 11:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PHUM PGOV CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1261 |
POST RECOMMENDATIONS ON GLOBAL FUND PHASE 2 RENEWALS [...] Following is post review on the overall grant for Sri Lanka under the Global Fund. Due to limited time available for responses, this cable will provide general comments on the performance of the Global Fund for Tuberculosis and Malaria collectively, based on post discussion with key stakehold [...] |
2005-07-19 03:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID KHIV TBIO CE COSI |
| 05COLOMBO1284 |
HUMANITARIAN MINE ACTION (HMA) FY06 COUNTRY [...] U.S. Funds Expended : $11,937,000 (through FY2005) 2. A total of 503 officer and enlisted ranks have completed the basic demining course. Also 202 officers and enlisted ranks have completed additional demining instruction and management courses, basic and advance trauma courses as well a [...] |
2005-07-22 06:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID MARR MOPS PREF PREL CE MAS LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1286 |
LTTE STIFFS NORWEGIANS ON CEASEFIRE TALKS, PTOMS [...] (C) Summary: The LTTE told Norwegians they will not hold talks on ceasefire with Government until it disarms all paramilitaries. The Tigers also said they were not willing to change any part of the PTOMS agreement. The two sides continue to work with the SLMM to solve the transportation iss [...] |
2005-07-22 06:47:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER EAID PGOV CE NO LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1291 |
PRESIDENT SAYS GOVERNMENT WILL ABIDE BY CEASEFIRE, [...] (C) SUMMARY: Co-chairs told President Kumaratunga ceasefire was under threat, that LTTE bore brunt of blame for ceasefire violations, but that current upsurge of violence in East required both sides to take steps. Kumaratunga said she had given orders to security forces to not attack LTTE, bu [...] |
2005-07-25 11:46:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER EAID PGOV CE NO LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1292 |
PRESIDENT PROMISES ANTI-CONVERSION BILL WILL NOT [...] (C) Ambassador and other Chiefs of Mission from Tokyo Co-Chairs (UK for EU, Norway, Japan) called on President Kumaratunga July 25 to discuss Peace Process issues. At the end of that discussion Ambassador said he wanted to raise a separate issue, that of the anti-conversion bill. Foreign Min [...] |
2005-07-25 11:47:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | KIRF PHUM PGOV CE |
| 05COLOMBO1295 |
MALDIVES CONTINUES TO WORK ON DEMOCRATIC REFORMS [...] (U) Summary. The Government of the Republic of Maldives (GORM) is continuing its efforts to institute multi-party democracy and human rights reforms. On July 14, the President announced a massive shift in the Cabinet, with young, progressive Ministers replacing those opposed to reform. The A [...] |
2005-07-26 03:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM MV |
| 05COLOMBO1315 |
PROVINCIAL COUNCILS LACK FISCAL AUTONOMY TO [...] (U) Provincial Councils PCs have limited revenue generating capabilities and are dependent on the central government for funding. Transfers to the PCs do not meet the amount required to fulfill their responsibilities. Corruption remains a widely recognized problem within the PCs. Consequent [...] |
2005-07-28 10:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON EFIN CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1316 |
UNICEF REPORTS SPIKE IN LTTE CHILD RECRUITMENT IN [...] (U) United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) issued a press statement saying there has been a significant increase in the number of reports concerning child recruitment by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the month of July. Since the tsunami, UNICEF had seen a considerable [...] |
2005-07-28 10:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV SOCI PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1318 |
SRI LANKA: CONTROVERSY OVER END DATE OF [...] (U) Summary. Controversy abounds in Sri Lanka about the date President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's term of office ends. While the Constitution allows a single person to hold two six-year terms as president, the document is vague regarding the rules if the incumbent calls for early e [...] |
2005-07-29 03:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV CE |
| 05COLOMBO1331 |
SRI LANKAN POST-TSUNAMI RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE [...] (U) This cable provides information for the August 3, 2005 post-Tsunami IAWG meeting. Maldives Update --------------- 2. (SBU) The Government of Maldives (GORM) still has not submitted plans for using USG funds. The Planning Ministry gave a July 17 deadline to the line ministries for s [...] |
2005-08-01 10:14:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON PGOV CE MV |
| 05COLOMBO1332 |
US OPPOSITION TO ANTI-CONVERSION BILL HEADLINES [...] (U) On July 31 a Sunday Times newspaper's front-page headline read "US warns Lanka on religious bill." The article, which listed no author or sources, cited Christine Rocca's meeting with Sri Lankan Ambassador to the US Bernard Gunatilleke. It purported that Rocca warned that if the Sri Lank [...] |
2005-08-01 10:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM CE |
| 05COLOMBO1335 |
IPR SEMINARS IN COLOMBO HIGHLIGHT ISSUES [...] Summary: A series of USPTO sponsored Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) seminars were held in Colombo on July 23 and 25 when Professor William O. Hennessey of the Franklin Pierce Law Center, Concord, New Hampshire, and Timothy Browning, Attorney-Advisor with the Office of Enforcement, Depart [...] |
2005-08-01 11:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD KIPR EAID ECON CE ECONOMICS |
| 05COLOMBO1338 |
SPEAKING OUT ON GITMO AND DETAINEES [...] (C) Ambassador raised issue of understanding for US detainee operations with Foreign Minister Kadirgamar on August 1, explaining that we wanted our friends to better understand our operations and the rationale for them, and to convey their support to broader constituencies. Kadirgamar noted [...] |
2005-08-02 06:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | KISL KPAO PGOV PREL |
| 05COLOMBO1353 |
FORMER GUANTANAMO DETAINEE REQUESTS LOST DOCUMENTS [...] (U) Maldivian national Ibrahim Fauzee, detained in Pakistan in May 2002, was returned to Maldives from Guantanamo on March 12, 2005 after it was determined that he had no connection to terrorism and posed no threat to the US. Maldivian Government passed a request from Mr. Fauzee for return o [...] |
2005-08-03 09:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER KAWC PREL MV |
| 05COLOMBO1354 |
SRI LANKA: PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION QUESTION HEATS UP [...] (U) Summary. On August 1, President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) announced current Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse as its presidential candidate and named Anura Bandaranaike (the President's brother), now the Minister for Tourism and Investment Promoti [...] |
2005-08-03 11:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV CE |
| 05COLOMBO1366 |
IMI - INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT, 2005 - SRI LANKA [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-04 10:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | CE ECON ECONOMICS EFIN EINV ELAB ETRD KTDB OPIC PGOV USTR |
| 05COLOMBO1367 |
TSUNAMI VICTIMS STILL NEED ADEQUATE PERMANENT HOUSING [...] (SBU) July 18-20, poloff visited Galle, Ambalangoda, Ambalantota, Matara, and Hambantota to investigate the status of tsunami relief. In meetings with various government agents (GAs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and USAID officers, interlocutors reported that there is still a str [...] |
2005-08-04 11:14:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAID PGOV SCUL SOCI CE |
| 05COLOMBO1374 |
VIOLENCE ERUPTS IN JAFFNA [...] Two or three SLA soldiers entered a barbershop at Inuvil junction in Jaffna. One barber is killed and another reported injured. Stories include an accidental shooting, or a dispute between a soldier and a barber, or a dispute between a soldier and an officer getting his hair cut with the ba [...] |
2005-08-05 05:47:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1375 |
Sri Lanka to apply for a sovereign rating [...] Summary: The Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) is getting ready to apply for a sovereign debt rating. The rating is expected to facilitate debt financing and improve awareness of Sri Lanka in international fixed income markets. Sri Lanka is one of few countries in the region without a sovereign [...] |
2005-08-05 06:03:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EAID CE ECONOMICS |
| 05COLOMBO1396 |
SRI LANKA: THESE TIGERS DON'T PURR: ANALYSIS OF [...] (SBU) Summary: The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) exercise de facto control over parts of northern and eastern Sri Lanka, and the LTTE claims to have created a separate and fully functional government infrastructure within the areas it controls. These institutions include political [...] |
2005-08-10 07:25:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PINR PHUM PGOV CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1404 |
PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY DEEMS SRI LANKA [...] Summary. Sri Lankan health authorities are discussing a new National Medicinal Drug Policy (NMDP) that would theoretically preserve access to low-cost, essential medicines. The main selection criteria for drugs under this new policy will include cost-effectiveness, need, quality, safety and [...] |
2005-08-11 08:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD EAID CE WTO |
| 05COLOMBO1407 |
MALDIVES: BIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION ON FOREIGN [...] (C) The July 14 appointment of Chief Government Spokesman Dr. Ahmed Shaheed as Foreign Minister (Reftel) brings to this important post a bright, western-educated technocrat friendly to the U.S. with whom the Embassy has worked closely on such key bilateral issues as democratic reform and tsu [...] |
2005-08-11 11:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PINR PGOV MV |
| 05COLOMBO1408 |
IRAN/IAEA: SRI LANKA ALREADY IN TOUCH WITH TEHRAN [...] (S) Charge' called on Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar August 11 and reviewed with him Ref A talking points calling for firm IAEA action against Iran. Kadirgamar said he shared the U.S. and EU sense of urgency and said the Foreign Ministry would review the U.S. points closely w [...] |
2005-08-11 13:12:00 | Embassy Colombo | SECRET | PARM PREL IR EU CE |
| 05COLOMBO1417 |
SRI LANKAN FOREIGN MINISTER KILLED BY SUSPECTED [...] (C) Summary: Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was shot by suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) assassins at his Colombo home between 10:30 - 11:00 p.m. local time on August 12. He died shortly after midnight August 13. The cold-blooded killing of this prominent, vocally an [...] |
2005-08-12 21:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1419 |
SRI LANKA: STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED FOLLOWING [...] (U) President Chandrika Kumaratunga declared a state of emergency the morning of August 13 following the killing of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar by suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) assassins the previous night (Ref A). The measure, which gives police and military ex [...] |
2005-08-13 05:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV ASEC CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1420 |
MALDIVES: PROTESTERS DETAINED AFTER DEMONSTRATION [...] (U) An unknown number of arrests were made in the Maldivian capital of Male' late August 13 after protests against the arrests of three prominent opposition activists turned violent. National Security Services (NSS) forces were called in to assist the police in quelling the disturbance after [...] |
2005-08-14 10:32:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM MV |
| 05COLOMBO1424 |
WB/ADB report highlights constraints in Sri [...] Summary: According to a recent Asian Development Bank (ADB)/World Bank (WB) investment climate assessment, Sri Lankan firms have identified sharply deteriorated infrastructure (electricity and transport) and cost of finance as major constraints for doing business. Urban firms also cite econ [...] |
2005-08-15 05:20:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ETRD EAID CE ECONOMICS |
| 05COLOMBO1425 |
SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT WANTS BOTH CRACKDOWN ON [...] (C) Summary. The Sri Lankan government (GSL) wants the international community to crack down further on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the wake of the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar but also insists somewhat contradictorily that it remains committed to [...] |
2005-08-15 05:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PREL EAID CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1428 |
Special Media Reaction: Assassination of Foreign [...] (U) Summary: Foreign Minister Kadirgamar's assassination has been the overwhelming focus of all media since late Friday night, with homages and retrospectives repeatedly broadcast on TV stations and printed in the press. Despite the public anger and shock over the slaying, however, the media [...] |
2005-08-15 09:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO PTER EAID OIIP PREL CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1440 |
SRI LANKA: HELGESEN BRIEFS CO-CHAIRS ON NORWEGIAN [...] (C) Summary. The Norwegian facilitators have shared with the co-chairs a constructive plan for putting the burden on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for the next steps in the peace process while also heading off rash actions by the government (GSL). The Norwegians will give LTTE [...] |
2005-08-16 12:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER NO CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1446 |
SRI LANKA: ELECTION COMMISSIONER INDICATES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Responding to a case filed by the opposition Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) party with the Supreme Court (SC), Election Commissioner (EC) Dayananda Dissanayake on August 15 affirmed that President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's second term began in December 1999--a tacit ackn [...] |
2005-08-17 09:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM CE |
| 05COLOMBO1448 |
INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE UNDER STATE OF EMERGENCY [...] (U) SUMMARY: While security forces continue to investigate the murder of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Kadirgamar, human rights groups urge restraint under the State of Emergency (SOE). Meanwhile, Tamil leaders complain the SOE and checkpoint inspections are an undue trauma on the Tamil people a [...] |
2005-08-17 12:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM PTER CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1449 |
MALDIVES: GOVERNMENT, OPPOSITION ACCUSE EACH [...] (C) Although the streets of Male' were calm August 15 for the first night since August 12, at least 137 people remain in detention as a result of the preceding nights' unrest. ICRC is planning a visit to Maldives to meet the detainees. In an August 15 meeting in Colombo, opposition Maldivi [...] |
2005-08-17 13:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM MV |
| 05COLOMBO1451 |
Leading Tamil Announcer and Husband Murdered in [...] (SBU) Summary: Following the high-profile April 29 murder of Tamil commentator Dharmaretnam Sivaram (Ref A)and several alleged death threats received by other prominent Tamil journalists (Ref B), a well-known Tamil radio and television personality and her husband -- a former member of the Pe [...] |
2005-08-18 07:17:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KPAO PTER EAID OIIP PREL CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1453 |
SRI LANKA: NORWEGIAN FACILITATORS SEND LETTER TO [...] (C) Summary. In their August 17 meeting with LTTE theoretician Anton Balasingham in London, Norwegian FM Petersen and DFM Helgesen passed a letter to LTTE leader Prabhakaran (text below). At GSL request, EU missions in Colombo will recommend to Brussels that the EU designate the LTTE as a te [...] |
2005-08-18 09:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV NO CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1459 |
LTTE SUSPECT ARRESTED IN MURDER OF POLICE [...] Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre "Gopi" was arrested following a gun battle on August 17, in Jaffna during a joint security forces operation for the August 5 murder of the police superintendent . The gun fight slightly wounded one officer and mortally wounded another. A heavy s [...] |
2005-08-18 11:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PTER PGOV PHUM CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO146 |
SRI LANKA - EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMIS: [...] As of January 16, according to the Center for National Operations (CNO), the earthquake and tsunamis had killed 30,920 people in Sri Lanka. The U.S. Military continues to engage in debris removal and clean-up activities in Galle and assist in the transport of relief supplies throughout Sri L [...] |
2005-01-19 03:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID AEMR PREL PGOV CE |
| 05COLOMBO1460 |
LTTE AGREES TO MEET WITH GOVERNMENT [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-19 02:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV NO CE |
| 05COLOMBO1469 |
DEMOCRACY IN MALDIVES: ARE WE THERE YET? [...] (SBU) Summary: August 12-17 poloff visited Male' and met with government officials, members of the opposition party, and civil society groups to discuss the reform process in Maldives. Most contacts said that while the Maldives has seen some democratic progress, much work remains to be done [...] |
2005-08-19 06:47:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM MV |
| 05COLOMBO147 |
MALDIVES - EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMIS: [...] According to the Maldives National Disaster Management Center (NDMC), as of January 18, the earthquake and tsunamis killed 82 people and 26 residents are missing. A key priority is to re-equip and repair health centers. The U.S. Military's primary objective in Maldives is to provide potable [...] |
2005-01-19 08:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID AEMR PREL PGOV CE MV |
| 05COLOMBO1478 |
MALDIVES: DRL-FUNDED HUMAN RIGHTS SPEAKER [...] (U) Summary: From August 14-19, Dr. Bert B. Lockwood, Professor of Law at the University of Cincinnati and Director of the Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights, was in Maldives with the assistance of the International Information Programs Bureau and funded by an Economic Support Funds (ESF [...] |
2005-08-22 11:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM SOCI EAID ELAB KPAO KDEM MV |
| 05COLOMBO1485 |
ALL IN THE FAMILY: SRI LANKAN PRESIDENT APPOINTS [...] (C) On August 22 President Chandrika Kumaratunga appointed Anura Bandaranaike, her younger brother and Minister of Tourism, Foreign Minister. The move is viewed largely as a consolation prize for Bandaranaike after he failed to gain his party's--and his sister's--approval as the next preside [...] |
2005-08-23 12:34:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PINR PREL PGOV CE |
| 05COLOMBO149 |
MALDIVES: FORMER DETAINEE EXPECTS FREER, FAIRER [...] (C) Summary: In a January 18 call on the Ambassador, former SAARC Secretary General and detainee Ibrahim Zaki expressed gratitude for U.S. support, crediting concern from the international community for the Government's decision to release him from detention and drop sedition charges against [...] |
2005-01-19 10:37:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM MV |
| 05COLOMBO1492 |
SRI LANKA ECONOMIC UPDATE, AUGUST 2005 [...] Summary: GDP growth slowed to 4.8 percent in the first quarter of 2005, against 6.4 percent for the same period in 2004. While the Central Bank says the growth momentum (to achieve growth over 5 percent) is continuing as expected, high inflation is a major worry. A recovery in agriculture [...] |
2005-08-25 08:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAID CE ECONOMICS |
| 05COLOMBO1493 |
SRI LANKAN GOVERNMENT WANTS TALKS WITH TIGERS AT [...] (U) This is an action request. Please see Para 12. -------- SUMMARY -------- 2. (C) Nearly a week after the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) agreed to talks with the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) to strengthen the Ceasefire Agreement, details regarding the timing, venue and le [...] |
2005-08-25 11:44:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV PREL PHUM CE NO LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1501 |
NOTIFICATION UNDER CASE-ZABLOCKI ACT FOR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE GRANT AGREEMENT NO.498-0045.83, TSUNAMI RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION IN SRI LANKA [...] ON JULY 25, 2005, THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND PLANNING OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA SIGNED SUBJECT AGREEMENT WHICH PROVIDES FUNDING OF U.S. DOLLARS 57,123,052 (FIFTY SEVEN MILLION ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE THOUS [...] |
2005-08-26 04:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | CE NOTAG |
| 05COLOMBO1503 |
SRI LANKAN SUPREME COURT DECIDES PRESIDENTIAL [...] (U) On August 26 a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled that presidential elections must take place between October 28 and November 22, 2005. The decision, rendered in response to a petition filed by the opposition Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) party, ends months of speculation whether po [...] |
2005-08-26 07:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV CE |
| 05COLOMBO1508 |
SRI LANKAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: JVP PONDERS [...] (C) Following the August 26 Supreme Court decision that presidential elections must be held by November 22 (Reftel), the nationalist Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) is facing a fierce internal debate about whether to support Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) candidate and current Prime M [...] |
2005-08-29 13:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV CE |
| 05COLOMBO1512 |
NORWEGIANS SEEK INSTRUCTIONS FROM OSLO IN FACE OF [...] (C) Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar told Charge' August 30 that he is seeking instructions from Oslo on how to proceed in the face of continuing public criticism of the Norwegian peace process facilitation role. Brattskar confided he is particular angry about public comments new Foreign [...] |
2005-08-30 07:17:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER NO CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1514 |
SRI LANKA: REQUEST FOR ELECTION SUPPORT [...] This is an action request. Please see Para 4. 2. SUMMARY: Post requests funding in the amount of USD 400,000 to support local NGO efforts to monitor and observe upcoming presidential and/or general elections. Because of initial uncertainty surrounding the length of incumbent President Cha [...] |
2005-08-30 09:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM EAID PGOV CE |
| 05COLOMBO1522 |
REQUEST FOR RESETTLEMENT ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN [...] (C) Charge' raised reftel situation of Uighur Guantanamo detainees with Foreign Ministry Secretary H.G.M.S. Palihakkara August 31 and asked SIPDIS for Sri Lankan assistance. Palihakkara replied that "we'd like to do it," but that accepting the Uighurs would "create problems with our Chine [...] |
2005-08-31 05:32:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | MOPS PREL PTER KAWC PHUM PREF PINR CE |
| 05COLOMBO1523 |
Grenade attack on pro-LTTE newspaper office shakes [...] (U) Summary: Two men threw two grenades into the premises of the Sudar Oli newspaper office in Colombo August 29, killing one and injuring three. Sudar Oli, an unapologetically pro-LTTE paper, was the object of an unsuccessful grenade attack on one of its Colombo branch offices on August 20, [...] |
2005-08-31 07:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KPAO PTER PHUM EAID OIIP PREL CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1530 |
MALDIVES: SOME DEMOCRATIC REFORMS DESPITE TRIAL OF [...] (SBU) Summary: Following the August 12-14 pro-reform demonstrations in Male' (Reftels C and D), as of August 28, 76 persons remained in detention, including opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed. Nasheed, the chairman of the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP), has been charged with one count of ter [...] |
2005-08-31 12:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM MV |
| 05COLOMBO1539 |
VIOLENCE IN SRI LANKA'S EAST: SUNSET FOR THE CEASE [...] (SBU) Immediately following Foreign Minister Kadirgamar's assassination (Reftel B), there were few reports of Cease-Fire Agreement (CFA) violations. However, in recent days, there have been a number of such violations in the East. The non-governmental Foundation for Co-Existence (FCE) has r [...] |
2005-09-01 11:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PTER PINS CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1540 |
NOW MORE THAN EVER: SLFP OFFICIAL INDICATES PARTY [...] (C) Still unsure of either the election date or whether it can count on support from its former coalition partner, the Sinhalese nationalist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), President Chandrika Kumaratunga's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will kick off its hurried presidential campaign with a [...] |
2005-09-01 13:01:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV |