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| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02COLOMBO1422 |
GSL minister cautiously optimistic on direction of peace process based on meeting with Tiger spokesman [...] (C/NF) Summary: In a July 31 meeting, Milinda Moragoda, a senior GSL minister, provided the Ambassador a detailed readout of his recent talks with Anton Balasingham, the spokesman of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The atmospherics were excellent, he related. On substantive issues, pro [...] |
2002-08-01 11:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PINR PREL PARM CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1434 |
Scenesetter for your upcoming visit to [...] (U) I want to extend a very warm welcome to you on your August 22-23 visit to Sri Lanka. The Country Team and the entire Mission community eagerly look forward to your visit. ------- Summary ------- 2. (C) Your visit to Sri Lanka comes at an exciting time. The ongoing ceasefire is th [...] |
2002-08-06 09:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER ECON CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1527 |
MORAGODA ON MEETING LTTE IN OSLO: GUARDED OPTIMISM [...] (C) GSL Minister Moragoda appeared to have regained a bit of optimism following his Oslo meeting (reftels) with LTTE "theorist" Anton Balasingham. Moragoda said that Balasingham seems serious about getting talks going, is very sensitive to US and Indian attitudes re the LTTE, and concerned abo [...] |
2002-08-20 06:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | CE PGOV PINR PINS PREL PTER LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1551 |
SRI LANKA: DEPUTY SECRETARY ARMITAGE HEARS HOPES [...] (C) Summary: Deputy Secretary Armitage had four brief "pull-aside" meetings at the start of a reception held in his honor, August 22, with the Leader of the PA Opposition the Maldivian High Commissioner, Tamil National Alliance representatives, and the Leader of the Muslim Congress. D heard [...] |
2002-08-23 02:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER PHUM PARM ECON ETRD CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1553 |
SRI LANKA: DEPUTY SECRETARY MEETS PRIME MINISTER: [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a very cordial half-hour August 22 meeting (followed by a press conference and a working dinner) with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, Deputy Secretary Armitage stressed US support for the GSL's ongoing SIPDIS efforts to reach a negotiated solution to Sri Lanka's 2 [...] |
2002-08-23 02:26:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID PGOV PINS PREL PTER CE ECONOMICS LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1563 |
DEPUTY SECRETARY VISITS WAR-RAVAGED JAFFNA [...] (C) Summary: The Deputy Secretary and his delegation visited the Jaffna peninsula for two and a half hours during his one-day visit to Sri Lanka, August 22. The delegation visited a U.S. demining site and a front line position where Sri Lankan army troops and the LTTE face off, and met with [...] |
2002-08-26 02:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINS PTER CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1599 |
Leftist JVP: Predicts failure of peace talks; [...] (C) During a recent one hour meeting with poloff, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva outlined his party's position on a multitude of issues, including: -- predicting the peace process will fail; -- dissatisfaction with a proposed constitutional amendment limiting the Presidents powers; [...] |
2002-08-30 06:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM PINS PREL CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1604 |
DEPUTY SECRETARY VISITS WAR-RAVAGED JAFFNA [...] (C) Summary: The Deputy Secretary and his delegation visited the Jaffna peninsula for two and a half hours during his one-day visit to Sri Lanka, August 22. The delegation visited a U.S. demining site and a front line position where Sri Lankan army troops and the LTTE face off, and met with [...] |
2002-09-03 05:43:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINS PTER CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1619 |
Peace process update: Tiger-Muslim talks said [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: -- Tamil Tiger spokesman and Muslim leader reportedly hold constructive meeting in London -- GSL official meets with Tigers on development-related issues -- Recent incident in Jaffna pits students against security for [...] |
2002-06-02 05:52:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PREF PHUM ECON EAID CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1626 |
SRI LANKA AND ATA TRAINING: A PLEA FOR IT TO [...] (U) I have recently heard that S/CT and DS/ATA no longer consider Sri Lanka a priority country when determining which countries should benifit from the Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) Training Program. 2. (U) I hope that this is not true. The ATA program has been extremely effective in trai [...] |
2002-09-05 08:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | CE KTIA PTER LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1629 |
Sri Lankan government lifts ban on the [...] (U) Suggested press guidance for Department's review is contained in Para eight. 2. (C) Summary: The GSL lifted its ban on the Tamil Tigers late September 4. By doing so, the government acceded to a key demand of the Tigers, paving the way for the planned high-level talks in Thailand. [...] |
2002-09-04 15:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS KPAO CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1682 |
Biographic sketches of members of Tamil Tiger [...] (C) Para two contains brief biographic sketches of the members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) team attending the upcoming talks with the Sri Lankan government. (Note: The talks are scheduled to take place in Thailand, September 16-18.) The four members of the LTTE team are: [...] |
2002-09-11 10:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1693 |
On the eve of talks with the Tamil Tigers, [...] (C) Summary: The Sri Lankan government's decision to lift its ban on the Tamil Tigers last week has provoked surprisingly little negative reaction. The pro-peace mood of the public has clearly buoyed the GSL ahead of next week's talks with the Tigers. In fact, after a large pro-peace rally [...] |
2002-09-10 02:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1719 |
Sri Lankan government-Tamil Tiger talks [...] (C) Summary: The opening ceremony kicking off talks between the GSL and the Tamil Tigers on September 16 was constructive, with both sides making conciliatory remarks. The talks, which are being held at a naval base in Thailand, are now in closed-door session until a closing ceremony and pr [...] |
2002-09-16 05:20:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE TH NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1736 |
Peace process update: Positive response to [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: -- Kickoff of peace talks in Thailand engenders highly positive response in Sri Lanka -- Before start of talks, President Kumaratunga hits out at GSL -- Government and Tamil Tigers working closely on prisoner exchange [...] |
2002-09-17 11:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM PINS SOCI CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1743 |
Thailand talks conclude on positive note, with [...] (U) This message contains an Action Request -- Please see Para six. 2. (C) Summary: The first round of talks between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers has ended on a positive note. Per a press statement issued by the Norwegian facilitators (see Para seven), the two sides h [...] |
2002-09-18 11:07:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS EAID KPAO CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1751 |
Positive reaction to talks; LTTE spokesman's [...] (C) Summary: Sri Lankans have reacted in a highly positive fashion to the successful conclusion of the first round of talks between the government and the Tamil Tigers. Contacts highlighted as noteworthy the announcements that the two sides would soon meet again, that they would form joint [...] |
2002-09-19 10:37:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS EAID KPAO CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1758 |
Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Sri Lanka update [...] (C) Per Reftel Action Request, Mission has carefully reviewed the Sri Lanka section of the 2001 Patterns of Global Terrorism Report. Mission provides the following update for Department's review: -- The Sri Lankan government continues to support the global campaign against terrorism. -- [...] |
2002-09-20 05:43:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER ASEC KCRM PINS CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1767 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 132 (09-23-02) [...] (SBU) We have the following demining and ESF ideas for your review: Demining: 2. (SBU) PM/HDP knows the demining situation in Sri Lanka from A through Z. As you know, Murph McCloy and company ran an assessment of the situation over the summer, which came up with a number of conclusions [...] |
2002-09-23 11:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT CE LTTE ECONOMICS |
| 02COLOMBO1768 |
In positive human rights gesture, Tamil Tigers [...] (C) Summary: UNICEF has confirmed that the Tamil Tigers have recently released up to 85 child recruits. The Tigers apparently took this step, unprecedented in its size, in reaction to the pressure it has received on this issue from domestic and international sources. The move may indicate a [...] |
2002-09-12 02:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1778 |
Reviewing recent talks, Muslim leader says he is [...] (C) Summary: Charge met September 24 with Rauf Hakeem, the Muslim leader who was a member of the GSL's team at the recent talks with the Tamil Tigers. Hakeem remarked on the positive atmospherics of the talks, noting that he was now "cautiously optimistic" about the peace process. Mulling [...] |
2002-09-24 11:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PINR CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1787 |
GSL/LTTE prisoner exchange seems set; Both [...] (C) Summary: The GSL and the Tamil Tigers seem set to conduct a prisoner exchange soon. In a related development, MIA issues were discussed during the recent talks in Thailand, with the two sides agreeing to review the issue again. Newly on the radar screen is discussion of a possible gene [...] |
2002-09-25 10:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1790 |
Peace process update: Report of tensions in [...] (C/NF) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: -- Reported tensions in military toward government's peace initiative -- President muted in public re peace process -- Largest Tamil Tiger cadre movement to date goes smoothly, according to monitors -- The flavor [...] |
2002-09-26 11:01:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PINS MOPS CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1828 |
LTTE Update: Tigers reportedly have success [...] (C) This update of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) activities reviews the following: -- Tigers reportedly having success recruiting -- Divisions in the LTTE regarding the peace process?? -- LTTE spokesman Balasingham said to be "obsessed" with the U.S. -- In a first, Tigers p [...] |
2002-10-01 11:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | SECRET//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PINS PINR PREL CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1835 |
LTTE pressure, cohabitation stresses, and [...] (S) Summary: The Sri Lankan military is in a difficult period. According to sources, a number of factors are acting to demoralize the military, including pressure from the Tamil Tigers, stresses in the relationship between the PM and the President, and frictions with the police. The milita [...] |
2002-10-02 11:43:00 | Embassy Colombo | SECRET | PGOV PTER PINS PINR MOPS PHUM CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1839 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 137 -0302) [...] (U) The joint Treasury/AID team had a tremendously successful one-week visit here last month. It was packed with meetings from early morning into each evening. Even though it was an office director (and below) level team, we had no problems getting meetings with numerous Ministers (Finance [...] |
2002-10-03 10:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1848 |
President Kumaratunga's swipe at the PM sparks [...] (C) Summary: In a recent speech, President Kumraratunga accused Prime Minister Wickremesinghe of soliciting bribes years ago. The accusation has prompted another cohabitation dustup, with the PM's supporters responding with salvos of their own aimed at Kumraratunga. In a more muted fashion [...] |
2002-10-04 05:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PINR CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1858 |
To ease cohabitation tensions, president and [...] (C) Summary: The Ambassador met Minister Milinda Moragoda and Norwegian Ambassador Westborg on October 5. In a wide-ranging discussion, Moragoda reviewed his recent meeting with President Kumaratunga, and said the two sides had agreed to hold regular high-level discussions on peace process a [...] |
2002-10-07 11:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PINR PHUM CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1878 |
Scenesetter for DRL P/DAS Parmly's upcoming [...] (C) I want to extend a warm welcome to you on your upcoming visit to Sri Lanka. Your visit comes at an exciting time, with many of the positive trends we briefed you on during your January visit gaining increased traction. A ceasefire has been in place since December 2001, and the government [...] |
2002-10-08 11:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM PTER ECON CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1891 |
Peace process update: Detainees go on [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: -- Demanding immediate release, Tamil detainees go on hunger strike -- Amid strong hints that a resolution may be near, standoff involving captured soldiers continues -- Tigers reportedly attack office of pro-governmen [...] |
2002-10-09 11:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM ECPS CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1904 |
Amid some positive news, violence in east [...] (C) Summary: Police shot and killed at least seven suspected Tamil Tiger supporters on October 9. The incident was triggered by an attempt to storm a police station in the east. On a positive note for the peace process, the Tigers released six soldiers after obtaining the release of two of [...] |
2002-10-09 12:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM MOPS CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1908 |
SCENESETTER FOR DAS CAMP'S VISIT TO SRI LANKA [...] (C) I want to extend a warm welcome to you on your upcoming visit to Sri Lanka. Your visit comes at an exciting time, with many of the positive trends we are now observing having gained increased traction since your December 2001 visit. A ceasefire has been in place since December, and the g [...] |
2002-10-11 05:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PREL PTER CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1920 |
After surge in tension, situation in east seems [...] (C) The situation in the east seems to have calmed down after violence last week left at least ten Tamils dead. The cooling down process was given a critical boost via an announcement by Tiger leader Prabhakaran that he wanted the peace process to continue. Reinforcing the positive trend, Ti [...] |
2002-10-15 12:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM MOPS CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1979 |
SCENESETTER FOR DEPUTY USTR HUNTSMAN'S NOVEMBER [...] (U) I extend to you a warm welcome in advance of your visit to Sri Lanka next month for the first meeting of the U.S. - Sri Lankan Trade and Investment Council (TIC). I am sending this message now, nearly a month before your visit, because I know that you and your team are already busy prepa [...] |
2002-10-23 04:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ETRD CE WTO USTR ECONOMICS LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1982 |
Peace Process Update: Norwegian envoy visits; [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: -- Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister visits north and south in run-up to second round of talks -- Senior Tiger negotiator Balasingham continues consultations with leadership -- New poll highlights strong support for pe [...] |
2002-10-23 11:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1995 |
ENGAGING THE SRI LANKAN MILITARY AFTER DOD [...] (S) DOD has just completed three major assessments of the SL military. These assessments make plain that the Sri Lankan military forms a central component of the GSL's strategy to secure peace in the country after 20 years of civil war. The GSL needs the support of the military to make pea [...] |
2002-10-25 04:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | SECRET | MARR PREL MASS PGOV PTER PHUM CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2000 |
In meeting with SA DAS Camp, Prime Minister [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an October 24 meeting with SA DAS Camp and Ambassador Wills, PM Wickremesinghe was none too optimistic about the cohabitation situation, indicating that the GSL had tried to work with the president to no avail, so far. The PM did not show his cards on what the GSL planned to [...] |
2002-10-25 00:42:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PHUM PINR CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2003 |
SRI LANKA: DAS CAMP AFFIRMS U.S. SUPPORT FOR PEACE [...] (C) Summary: During his October 24-27 visit to Sri Lanka, South Asia Bureau DAS Donald Camp delivered a message of firm U.S. support for the peace process. At the same time, Camp encouraged both government and opposition leaders not to let cohabitation stresses threaten the progress made thus [...] |
2002-10-28 10:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PINR PINS EAID ELAB CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2007 |
Biographic sketches of new members of LTTE [...] (C) Para three contains brief biographic sketches of two new members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) negotiating team. (Note: The second round of peace talks between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government is scheduled to take place in Thailand from October 31 - November 3.) [...] |
2002-10-28 11:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2018 |
LTTE launches Sinhala monthly [...] In recent weeks rumors have circulated in Colombo and elsewhere on the Island regarding a Sinhala newspaper to be published by the LTTE. The purpose of the publication: to tell the Tigers' story to Sri Lanka's Sinhalese publics. Its name: DEDUNNA (or "Rainbow"). 2. Although DEDUNNA ap [...] |
2002-10-29 06:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KMDR KPAO SL LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2022 |
U.S.-sponsored Quick Reaction Demining Force [...] (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. 2. (U) After approximately seven months of operations, the U.S.-sponsored Quick Reaction Demining Force (QRDF) has wrapped up its work in Sri Lanka. On October 24-25, the QRDF turned over two plots of land clear [...] |
2002-10-29 10:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PARM PHUM PREF KPAO EAID CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2032 |
Second round of GSL-LTTE talks slated to kick [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers are scheduled to kick off their second round of talks on October 31 in Thailand. The Norwegian-facilitated talks are slated to focus mainly on technical issues, including the modalities of forming a task force on humanitarian issue [...] |
2002-10-30 11:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM EAID CE NO TH LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2055 |
GSL says court judgment convicting LTTE leader [...] (C) SUMMARY: A court has convicted LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran in absentia of planning a 1996 terrorist attack. The GSL has said the judgment will not affect the peace process. The LTTE has not yet formally reacted. The announcement came on the same day as GSL and LTTE negotiators sat down [...] |
2002-11-01 06:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE NO TH LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2064 |
Second session of talks between the Sri Lankan [...] (C) SUMMARY: The second session of GSL-LTTE talks made significant progress, with the two sides agreeing to form sub-committees focusing on humanitarian, de- escalation, and political issues. The two sides also agreed to a meeting schedule stretching into March 2003. In another constructive [...] |
2002-11-04 10:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID KPAO CE NO TH LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2080 |
Reviewing recent talks, Norwegian envoy upbeat, [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a November 4 meeting with Ambassador Wills, Norwegian Ambassador Westborg was upbeat about the recently concluded second session of GSL-LTTE talks, but stressed that the process still had a long way to go. He took note of the LTTE's apparent downgrading of its long-standing [...] |
2002-11-05 11:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID PINR CE NO TH LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2086 |
Peace talk reactions: Tamils optimistic; [...] (C) Summary: Reactions by Sri Lankans to the October 31 to November 3 peace talks in Thailand are generally positive. Muslim representatives raised some isolated issues, but were satisfied that their concerns were acknowledged during the second round of talks. The President's office claims [...] |
2002-11-04 11:52:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER PGOV CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2101 |
Voting with their feet on the peace process, [...] (C) SUMMARY: Returns of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to points of origin in Sri Lanka have surged, with a large percentage of the 213,000 total returns this year transiting in the past eight weeks alone. Most of the returns are to points in Jaffna, but many have returned to the Tiger [...] |
2002-11-07 11:27:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREF PHUM PTER EAID CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2120 |
Controversial journalist's visa extension [...] (U) SUMMARY: GSL recently denied a visa extension for Paul Harris, a UK national and a journalist loosely affiliated with the "Daily Telegraph" in London. The British High Commission doubts that Harris will return except perhaps to finalize some personal financial matters. Speculation in th [...] |
2002-11-11 03:56:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2133 |
Tigers gradually expand network of control in [...] (C) SUMMARY: A Mission team visited Sri Lanka's Eastern Province on November 12. On the surface, the situation in Batticaloa and Ampara Districts seemed calm, with the ceasefire sparking increased business activity and civilian bustle. Amid this positive news, there were clear and troublin [...] |
2002-11-14 11:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM MOPS ECON SOCI CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2142 |
In public statement, president's party flays [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga's party, the People's Alliance, has issued a public statement excoriating the government's handling of the peace process. The statement was also critical of the Norwegian facilitation effort, and U.S. and UK participation in the Oslo conference. Somewhat a [...] |
2002-11-16 07:34:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PREL KPAO EAID CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2147 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 162 (11-19-02) [...] (SBU) The Japanese Ambassador rang the Ambassador last night to report on his and Mr. Yosikawa's attendance at the first Subcommittee meeting on North-East Reconstruction. The atmosphere was "positive and friendly" but the details of how the Subcommittee and related North-East Reconstruction [...] |
2002-11-19 10:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2160 |
Joint GSL-LTTE sub-committees on humanitarian [...] (C) SUMMARY: The joint GSL-LTTE sub-committees on humanitarian and de-escalation issues recently held their initial meetings. The humanitarian-focused meeting led to an agreement to form a secretariat. The de-escalation meeting led to the first ever face-to-face discussions between the GSL [...] |
2002-11-20 11:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PREL MOPS EAID CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2163 |
WHAT THE PM WILL RAISE WITH YOU IN OSLO [...] (C) I saw PM Wickremesinghe three times this week, twice at social events and most recently today together with Deputy USTR Huntsman, who is here for the first official meeting on trade issues since the TIFA was signed in July. (Ambassador Huntsman's visit, by the way, is going extremely well [...] |
2002-11-21 09:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EAID PGOV CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2174 |
High hopes for Oslo conference, as Sri Lankans [...] (C) SUMMARY: Expectations in Sri Lanka are running high for the November 25 Oslo conference. Observers see the conference as a chance for the international community to send a strong signal of support for the peace effort. Amid this focus on a political message, expectations have been lowe [...] |
2002-11-20 14:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2184 |
Meeting of Sri Lankan PM with LTTE nets heavy [...] (C) SUMMARY: The meeting between Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and LTTE negotiator Balasingham in Oslo on November 24 has received extensive press coverage in Sri Lanka. In other peace process developments, LTTE leader Prabhakaran is preparing to give his annual speech on November 27. Missi [...] |
2002-11-25 10:44:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER KPAO PHUM CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2195 |
OSLO MEETING REAPS LAVISH, UPBEAT PRESS COVERAGE; DEPUTY SECRETARY´S REMARKS EARN PRAISE [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Oslo meeting on the Sri Lankan peace process has received lavish, upbeat press coverage. Deputy Secretary Armitage´s remarks -- which were specifically highlighted in the press coverage -- earned special praise. President Kumaratunga has not yet issued a public statement on the [...] |
2002-11-26 10:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID KPAO CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2204 |
Mission team journeys through LTTE controlled [...] (U) This message is Sensitive But Unclassified, please handle accordingly. 2. (U) SUMMARY: Mission team successfully concluded its first journey through the Tiger controlled north since opening of the A-9 road in April 2002. Although the trip was uneventful in terms of LTTE actions, trave [...] |
2002-11-27 10:56:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER PGOV CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2206 |
LTTE leader Prabhakaran's annual hero's day [...] (C) On November 27 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran made his annual "Hero's Day" speech. The government of Sri Lanka has commented favorably on the speech, highlighting Prabhakaran's acceptance of regional autonomy instead of a separate state. Prabhakara [...] |
2002-11-29 05:27:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM PREL CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2267 |
Just-concluded talks help peace process gain [...] (C) SUMMARY: The just-concluded third session of GSL-LTTE talks has helped the peace process pick up significant new traction. In particular, the LTTE's agreement to examine federalism as a potential solution to the conflict was a key shift by the group away from separatism or a confederal [...] |
2002-12-09 10:58:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2277 |
AS LEADERSHIP DISPUTE FLARES, SRI LANKA'S MAJOR MUSLIM PARTY MARGINALIZED IN PEACE PROCESS DEBATE [...] No summary [...] |
2002-12-10 11:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2312 |
GSL MINISTOR MORAGODA SAYS INDIANS MAD AT JAPANESE [...] (C) SUMMARY: GSL Minister Milinda Moragoda told me over the weekend that the Indians are "really mad" over the attempts by the Japanese to involve themselves in Sri Lanka's negotiation to end the war. Moragoda said Indian Foreign Secretary Sibal, who visited Colombo last week, was SIPDIS [...] |
2002-12-16 09:55:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER PINR PARM CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2319 |
Tensions rise incrementally as LTTE demands [...] (C) SUMMARY: The last few weeks have seen continued tension between the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The tension was briefly highlighted when the LTTE stated that the EPDP must leave Jaffna. In return, the EPDP is accusing the LTTE o [...] |
2002-12-17 11:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2337 |
Import of radio equipment for Tamil Tigers sparks controversy for GSL and Norwegian facilitators Ref: Colombo 1891 (U) Classified by Lewis Amselem, Deputy Chief of Mission. Reasons 1.5 (b, d). [...] (C) SUMMARY: The recent import of radio equipment for the LTTE has stirred controversy, with critics asserting that the government and the Norwegian facilitators have gone too far in pleasing the Tigers. In response, the GSL says it assisted in the import of the equipment in exchange for the LTTEÂ [...] |
2002-12-20 06:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER ECPS CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2341 |
Peace Process Update: Reports of ceasefire [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: - Reports of ceasefire violations spike way down - Criticism of government and Norwegians over import of radio equipment for LTTE continues to flare - GSL-LTTE meeting in London canceled, but January talks in Bangkok s [...] |
2002-12-23 10:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM EAID CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2348 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 179 (12-26-02) [...] (C) We are really, really, really worried about your e-mail re the apparent postponement in the DoD-sponsored mil-to-mil demining program. (Note: We're not blaming the messenger; we appreciate your successful effort to quickly find out what's going on.) We can appreciate that important thi [...] |
2002-12-26 10:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2355 |
President backs military on Jaffna security [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga has come out strongly in favor of the Sri Lankan military's position on the need to maintain "high security zones" in Jaffna. For its part, the LTTE has announced that it wants to discuss the security zone issue at the next round of political-level talks. [...] |
2002-12-30 10:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS ECPS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1007 |
Tokyo conference, including D's address, nets [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tokyo donors conference has generally netted a highly positive reaction in Sri Lanka. Media coverage was lavish and upbeat. D's address was considered constructive by all quarters. The PM's speech received a mixed reaction, however, with some Tamils skeptical of his promis [...] |
2003-06-10 11:01:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1008 |
MEDIA PLAY: (JUNE 10) Tokyo Conference: Colombo [...] Summary. Tamil newspapers reserved pride of place for optimistic headlines about an interim administration and the future of the peace talks. Donor money and international support of the peace process were also well-represented subjects. English and vernacular government-owned and independe [...] |
2003-06-10 11:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO101 |
Sri Lanka: Five things that upset Sinhalese [...] (C) Always a lively crowd, Sri Lanka's Sinhalese extremists have been raising a ruckus over five issues of late. They have demanded, for example, that (#1) the Norwegian Ambassador be expelled from the country, and complained about (#2) a pro-Tamil movie that opened in Europe recently and (# [...] |
2003-01-17 05:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER SOCI CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1015 |
MEDIA PLAY: (JUNE 11) TOKYO CONFERENCE [...] Summary. In the aftermath of the Tokyo Conference, Sri Lankan English and vernacular media was in high gear. Tamil newspapers ran positive headlines about Tokyo's outcome, but reflected concern about opposition party views of donor money. Tamil editorials encouraged the LTTE to return to pe [...] |
2003-06-11 08:10:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1018 |
Despite some Opposition criticism, the Tokyo [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tokyo donors conference continues to generate a positive reaction in Sri Lanka. The president maintains a studied silence, however, despite some criticism of the conference by her party. The Tamil Tigers, who controversially did not go to Tokyo, have also been mum, thus fa [...] |
2003-06-11 09:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID KPAO CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1025 |
Tigers stick to hard-line stance, essentially [...] (C) SUMMARY: Reacting with haste to the Tokyo donors conference, the Tamil Tigers restated their view that the GSL must take quick steps to form an interim structure in the north/east. The Tigers also underscored that they did not accept the understandings reached at Tokyo. In spite of the [...] |
2003-06-12 09:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER KPAO CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1028 |
MEDIA PLAY: (JUNE 12) TOKYO CONFERENCE [...] Summary. Sri Lankan media coverage of the Tokyo Donor Conference and its implications lessened somewhat, but was still energetic. Tamil newspapers' lead headlines concentrated on the LTTE rejection of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's suggested interim administration for the north and e [...] |
2003-06-12 10:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1034 |
Reports continue to flow in linking the Tigers [...] (C) SUMMARY: Reports continue to flow in linking the Tigers to violence against Tamil opponents. In addition to over 20 killings in recent months, the latest incidents involve the slayings of two Tamils in the east. The GSL is having problems proving Tiger involvement, though it may have g [...] |
2003-06-13 05:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1048 |
MEDIA PLAY: (JUNE 13) TOKYO CONFERENCE [...] No summary [...] |
2003-06-16 07:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1052 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 90 (06-16-03) [...] (SBU) URGENT: MFA Foreign Secretary Nihal Rodrigo sent us a fax today (June 16) confirming that Sri Lanka's ambassador to Iraq, M.M.A. Farouque, plans to return to Baghdad at some point this week. (Note: Farouque is now in Sri Lanka. By the way, we have already passed the MFA the info re [...] |
2003-06-16 10:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | CE MV AGMT LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1053 |
Tensions notch up over sinking of Tamil Tiger [...] (C) SUMMARY: Two violent incidents on June 14 have sparked an increase in tension between the Tigers and the GSL. In the first, a Tiger ship exploded off the northeast coast after being intercepted by the navy. It is unclear whether the crew detonated the ship or whether it was destroyed b [...] |
2003-06-16 10:46:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS PHUM CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1061 |
GSL tries to calm situation after sinking of [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the aftermath of the June 14 sinking of a Tiger ship, the GSL is trying to calm the situation, assuring the Tigers that it is looking into ways to devolve power to the north/east. Minister Moragoda, a key adviser to the PM, has expressed deep concerns to us about the navy's [...] |
2003-06-17 09:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1073 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 92 (06-18-03) [...] (C) Just wanted to flag that the situation remains relatively quiet in the aftermath of the June 14 sinking of the Tiger ship off the northeast coast (Colombo 1061, 1053). From what we hear, however, the Tigers remain very, very angry over the incident. Thus far, however, the group has conf [...] |
2003-06-18 09:55:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1075 |
In visit to central region, some interlocutors [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a June 15-16 visit, Kandy, an important city in Sri Lanka's Sinhalese belt, was quiet and peaceful. Many interlocutors, however, expressed anxiety about Tamil Tiger intentions. Buddhist monks, an influential group, were more serene. There was much comment -- in a favorable [...] |
2003-06-18 10:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER SOCI CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1078 |
In positive news for peace process, Norwegian [...] (C) SUMMARY: After a brief hiatus in contacts, Norwegian facilitators met with the Tamil Tigers on June 18. Norwegian Ambassador Brattskar told us the Tigers complained about the June 14 sinking of one of their ships and denied culpability for a wave of recent assassinations. The group als [...] |
2003-06-19 09:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1085 |
Sri Lankan PM gives conciliatory speech re [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a June 19 speech, PM Wickremesinghe urged the Tigers to return to the peace talks, underlining the GSL's willingness to move toward forming an interim administrative structure in the north/east. In a nearly immediate reaction, the Tigers said they wanted to see more details b [...] |
2003-06-20 06:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1092 |
Facilitators slated to meet Sri Lankan PM in [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian facilitators are scheduled to meet with PM Wickremesinghe in London late June 23. The Tamil Tigers' London-based spokesman Anton Balasingham has also indicated that he will try to meet the GoN team. In other peace process-related developments, local elections in the n [...] |
2003-06-23 09:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE NO UK LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1093 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 94 (06-23-03) [...] (C) We just received late word that a police officer was gunned down in the greater Colombo area earlier today (June 23). After taking cyanide, the suspect was arrested and is now in the hospital. The inspector who was killed, Sunil Thabrew, had reportedly been heavily involved in investiga [...] |
2003-06-23 09:23:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1106 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 95 (06-24-03) [...] (C) Charge Don Camp called on Foreign Secretary Nihal Rodrigo today (June 24). The Foreign Secretary thanked the US for its continued support re the peace process and for D's strong remarks at the recent Tokyo donors conference. He said the GSL had the same sentiments as the US re resuming [...] |
2003-06-24 10:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1107 |
In wake of brazen killing, Tigers indicate [...] (C) SUMMARY: After a meeting in London with the Norwegian facilitators, the Tamil Tigers -- in hedged fashion -- have indicated that they may be willing to restart the peace talks. This news comes in the wake of the brazen killing of a police official on June 23, which was almost certainly [...] |
2003-06-24 11:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM PREF CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1111 |
Sri Lanka: Background on federalism proposals [...] (U) Despite the serious problems that the peace process has faced of late (see Reftels), there is still much talk of federalist-related solutions to the conflict between the GSL and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). At this point, the current positions of the government and the LT [...] |
2003-06-25 09:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PTER PINR PHUM PREF CE KWMM LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO113 |
Japan's Akashi reviews visit to Sri Lanka; [...] (C/NF) SUMMARY: In a January 17 meeting with the Ambassador, Japanese Special Envoy Akashi reviewed his visit to Sri Lanka, noting that President Kumaratunga had decided not to meet him. He said the donors' conference in Tokyo was set for June 9-10, and he invited Deputy Secretary Armitage [...] |
2003-01-21 11:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PTER CE JA NO IN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1143 |
Sri Lanka: Peace process poised to enter new [...] (C) SUMMARY: With the prime minister back from a successful visit to the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka's peace process is on the verge of entering a new phase. The Tigers are hinting at a return to talks, while the government is preparing an interim administration proposal. The Liberation Tiger [...] |
2003-07-01 10:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER PINS NO JA CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1179 |
Mission recommends alternate organization for [...] This is an action request. Please see Para 6. 2. SUMMARY: The judicial reform project to increase the capacity of courts in Sri Lanka's war-torn north and east, as well as administer legal aid to those affected communities, has been only partially successful. The portion of the grant r [...] |
2003-07-07 11:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PHUM PGOV EAID CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO120 |
Forcible recruitment of children by the LTTE [...] (C) SUMMARY: Forcible recruitment of children by the Tamil Tigers remains a serious problem, especially in eastern Sri Lanka. The extent of the practice remains unclear, however, with contacts divided as to whether or not it is a worsening problem. The UN and the Sri Lanka Monitoring Missi [...] |
2003-01-22 11:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1222 |
Charge's Jaffna visit reveals changing [...] (C) SUMMARY: Charge and poloff visited Jaffna, in northern Sri Lanka, July 6-8. Demining, high security zones, and LTTE taxation are all high in the minds of local residents. Business activity is up, funded by remittances from abroad and international NGOs. GSL has funded infrastructure r [...] |
2003-07-14 10:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV PINS PHUM CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1256 |
NEW PROPOSAL GOES TO LTTE [...] (C) SUMMARY: On July 17, the Norwegians conveyed to the LTTE the new GSL proposal to try to lure the LTTE back to the negotiating table. We may not know for several weeks whether it will be successful, but the 19-month old ceasefire does not seem at risk. President Kumaratunga,s own po [...] |
2003-07-17 10:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | CE PGOV PREL LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1262 |
Tigers still refusing request from monitors to [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has not yet been able to convince the Tamil Tigers to vacate a base the group has established in the east. The Tigers say the base is within their zone and not in a GSL-demarcated area. In other peace process developments, another milita [...] |
2003-07-15 02:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM PINS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1290 |
Peace Process Update: Discussion of latest GSL [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: >> Norwegian envoy discusses government's latest proposal re north/east with Tamil Tigers >> Tigers ramp up agitation campaign in the north/east >> Defying international monitors, Tigers refuse to vacate military camp [...] |
2003-07-22 05:32:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1295 |
State Department-sponsored team completes [...] (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. 2. (SBU) SUMMARY: A State Department-sponsored Quick Reaction Demining Force (QRDF) is preparing to leave Sri Lanka after completing its program in war-torn Jaffna. U.S. involvement in sustained humanitarian d [...] |
2003-07-25 05:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EAID PREF CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1303 |
IRF report: Draft 2003 Maldives submission [...] (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. 2. (SBU) Per the request in Ref A, Mission submits the draft 2003 International Religious Freedom report for the Maldives. As also requested in Ref A, a Word document with tracked changes based on the 2002 repor [...] |
2003-07-28 10:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM KIRF MV LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1330 |
Tigers say report on plan to vacate base is [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tigers have denied a press report that they plan to vacate a new forward base in the east. The monitors, who have ruled the base violates the ceasefire accord, say they no indication that the group is vacating the site; GoN facilitators are looking into the matter. Nonethel [...] |
2003-07-30 02:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1339 |
As Tigers continue their review, government's [...] (C) The Tigers continue to study the GSL's proposal for establishing an interim structure in the north/east. In the south, however, the proposal has garnered a mixed reaction. The president continues to review the proposal, for example, while the radical JVP party has harshly criticized it. [...] |
2003-07-31 11:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PINS MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1344 |
In discussion with Charge', Norwegian [...] (C) The Charge' met August 1 with Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar to discuss the latest news regarding Sri Lanka's peace process. Concerning a recent camp put in place by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the east, Brattskar said there is no sign of movement on the issue. [...] |
2003-08-01 06:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1358 |
Tiger official, in high profile trip to the [...] (C) SUMMARY: S.P. Thamilchelvam, political chief of the Tamil Tigers, has reiterated that the group has no plans to vacate an unauthorized base it has set up in Trincomalee and, indeed, there has been no change in the situation on the ground. Thamilchelvam, who wrapped up a long visit to t [...] |
2003-08-04 11:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1387 |
Key Minister expresses optimism that talks [...] (C) SUMMARY: G.L. Peiris, a key minister, has announced that the peace talks could start up again by September. In related news, the U.S. press statement speaking out in support of resuming talks has received widespread publicity and reaction from contacts is rolling in. Concerning another [...] |
2003-08-08 05:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER KPAO CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1399 |
Norwegian facilitator set to arrive to work on [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian Special Envoy Erik Solheim is slated to arrive in Sri Lanka on August 12. One key purpose of his visit is to try to convince the Tigers to vacate an unauthorized camp they have set up in the east. In other peace process news, the Tigers are getting ready for a semina [...] |
2003-08-11 11:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PREF CE NO FR LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO140 |
Next round of talks in Europe, as status of [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norway has announced that the next round of GSL-LTTE talks will take place in Europe, February 7-8, not Thailand. The exact venue has not yet been formally set, but Berlin looks a strong bet. The switch was necessitated by the health condition of LTTE negotiator Balasingham, w [...] |
2003-01-24 05:52:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1408 |
MEDIA PLAY: U.S. "NOTES WITH CONCERN" LTTE CAMP, [...] On 8/7 Colombo issued a press release reiterating the 8/6 Washington File article, "U.S. Looks Forward to Resumption of Sri Lankan Peace Talks ... State's Reeker says U.S. concerned about rebel activity." The statement said that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is "undermining conf [...] |
2003-08-12 11:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1419 |
SFRC Staffer Blank's visit to Sri Lanka [...] (C) During his recent visit, SFRC staffer Dr. Jonah Blank traveled throughout Sri Lanka, with stops in Colombo, Galle, Jaffna, and Trincomalee. In meetings with Blank, GSL officials expressed general optimism about the peace process. Contacts in the south, however, expressed concern about T [...] |
2003-08-13 10:26:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER PREF CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1425 |
No breakthroughs in meeting with Tigers, but [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an August 13 meeting with the Charge', Norwegian Special Envoy Solheim and Norwegian Ambassador Brattskar said the atmospherics of their meeting with the Tigers earlier that day had been positive. They said they had discussed the Tigers' upcoming meeting in Paris. Re conte [...] |
2003-08-14 11:12:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1430 |
FY-2004 Humanitarian Demining Plan for [...] In response to Ref A, Mission's Humanitarian Demining Plan follows. Begin text: -------------------------------- SECTION ONE -- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY -------------------------------- A. BACKGROUND: Twenty years of civil war in Sri Lanka have left a severe mine and unexploded ordnance [...] |
2003-08-15 06:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL EAID MOPS PREF KHDP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1453 |
No movement regarding Tiger camp, as GSL [...] (C) SUMMARY: There has been no movement regarding the unauthorized Tiger camp in the east. As the Norwegian facilitators continue to work on the issue, key ministers are giving us differing views on the possibility that the GSL may use force to try to resolve matters. In other peace track [...] |
2003-08-20 10:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER PHUM CE NO FR LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO147 |
Sri Lanka: Human rights cases continue to [...] (SBU) Summary: This update reviews the progress of four high profile human rights related court cases, including: -- Kandy election day killings - continuation of a case against a high-profile political family and security forces for killing 10 supporters of a Muslim party; -- Krishanthi [...] |
2003-01-27 11:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1482 |
Peace Process update: In Paris, Tigers say [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: >> On margins of ongoing meeting in Paris, Tiger official says group aims to restart talks >> President Kumaratunga demands that GSL take steps against unauthorized Tiger camp in east >> Tensions in east between Muslim [...] |
2003-08-25 11:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM PREF CE FR NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1488 |
U.S.-sponsored humanitarian demining training [...] (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. 2. (U) SUMMARY: A major State Department-sponsored humanitarian demining training program for the Sri Lankan (SLA) Army has kicked off at a base in the south. The project, which has already received upbeat press [...] |
2003-08-26 10:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV EAID KHDP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1490 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 123 (08/26/03) [...] (C) FYI. Just wanted to flag the following peace track items: -- Paris Meeting: Beyond that reviewed in Colombo 1482, we have no new news to report re the LTTE's Paris meeting. The Norwegian Embassy here told us that Special Envoy Erik Solheim was slated to join the LTTE meeting today or [...] |
2003-08-26 10:55:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1496 |
President Kumaratunga and supporters express [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga and her supporters have recently expressed concerns that the Tamil Tigers are targeting her for attack. The police have found little merit in the claims, which seem to involve more than a dollop of politics. That said, the situation has to be monitored; [...] |
2003-08-27 11:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PINS ASEC CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1522 |
Tiger political chief Thamilchelvam's steady [...] (C) SUMMARY: S.P. Thamilchelvam, political chief of the Tamil Tigers, has taken an increasingly high profile role as chief Tiger spokesman on peace track issues. In the meantime, Anton Balasingham, the group's long-time spokesman and negotiator, has not been heard from in weeks. In explai [...] |
2003-09-02 10:12:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PINR PINS CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1533 |
Japanese propose that donors meet September 12 [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a September 3 meeting with Ambassador Lunstead, Japanese Ambassador Otsuka said the GoJ wanted to convene a "follow-up meeting of the Tokyo conference" for donors on September 12 during Special Envoy Akashi's visit to Sri Lanka. The GSL, international organizations, and the [...] |
2003-09-04 10:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO154 |
Scenesetter for SA/INS Director Good's [...] (C) SUMMARY: We warmly welcome your upcoming visit. It comes at an exciting time, with many of the positive trends we discussed with you during your visit last fall gaining increased traction. A ceasefire has been in place since December 2001, and the government and the Tamil Tigers continue [...] |
2003-01-28 10:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER ECON CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1546 |
Peace Process: Indian sticks vs. Norwegian [...] (C) The Ambassador paid introductory calls on Indian High Commissioner Nirumpam Sen and Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar on September 4. The two were a study in contrasts. Sen, not surprisingly, evinced a hardline towards the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE needs to see [...] |
2003-09-05 06:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER PINR CE IN NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1565 |
Latest plans for Tokyo conference follow-up [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador Lunstead recently participated in planning sessions for the Tokyo follow- up meeting to be held in Colombo on September 12. The format and agenda of the upcoming meeting were discussed, as were the modalities and the substance of "press guidelines" that would be used [...] |
2003-09-09 09:43:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1569 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 131 (09/09/03) [...] (C) FYI. We have the following updates on the peace process: -- Norwegian Ambassador in the east: Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar is in Batticaloa District in the east for a familiarization tour, according to Norwegian Embassy contacts. Brattskar met with eastern Tiger military leade [...] |
2003-09-09 10:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1583 |
British shadow foreign secretary's meeting [...] (C) In a September 5 meeting with the Ambassador, British High Commissioner Stephen Evans provided a readout of a recent meeting between Michael Ancram, the shadow foreign secretary, and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) representatives. Evans said Ancram, joined by Lord Ashcroft, a fo [...] |
2003-09-10 10:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER PGOV CE UK LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1587 |
Tamil Tiger leader Prabhakaran makes rare [...] (C) SUMMARY: Tamil Tiger leader V. Prabakharan gave a brief speech at the opening of an office for the LTTE "police force" in the north-central Vanni region on September 7. While the speech was somewhat confrontational in tone, he did not comment directly on the peace process. The Septembe [...] |
2003-09-07 22:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV PINS PINR CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1601 |
LANDMINES AND TIGERS AND "BEARS" OH MY! ECONOMIC INTEGRATION [...] No summary [...] |
2003-09-15 08:14:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAID PTER PGOV CE LTTE ECONOMICS |
| 03COLOMBO1602 |
The Ambassador reviews the peace process, aid [...] (C) SUMMARY. In a September 14 introductory meeting, the Ambassador and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe agreed that last week's donor roundtable on the occasion of Japanese envoy Akashi's visit had usefully demonstrated that the donors were holding firm to the Tokyo linkage between progress at [...] |
2003-09-15 08:14:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER EAID CE US UN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1603 |
Introductory meeting with Japanese envoy ahead [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador Lunstead had an introductory meeting with Japanese special envoy Yashushi Akashi on September 11. Akashi shared his views on the current situation, and touched on issues to be raised during the September 12 Tokyo follow-up meeting. END SUMMARY. 2. (C) Ambassado [...] |
2003-09-15 08:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV PINS PHUM CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1606 |
Donors reaffirm support for peace process at [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador participated in the follow-up meeting to the Tokyo conference held on September 12 in Colombo. Japanese Special Envoy Akashi chaired the meeting. In their remarks, donors and international agency heads reiterated their support for assistance to Sri Lanka, but un [...] |
2003-09-15 11:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID PTER CE NO JA UN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1615 |
Cohabitation dustup over security of key port [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga has sent a letter to the prime minister harshly complaining that the GSL is not taking Tamil Tiger military positioning around Trincomalee harbor seriously enough. The PM has not yet sent a response to the widely publicized letter, but the GSL has already [...] |
2003-09-14 02:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS PINS CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1619 |
Tiger attacks in the east spark deep Muslim [...] (C) SUMMARY: Attacks by the Tigers in the east have intensified Muslim anxiety about the direction of the peace process. Muslim leader Rauf Hakeem has pressed the GSL to take a harder line toward the Tigers. While Hakeem continues to back the government, some in his party have indicated a [...] |
2003-09-17 10:46:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM KISL CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1635 |
In meeting with the Ambassador, Norwegian team [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador met late September 18 with a visiting Norwegian facilitation team led by Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen. The GoN team, which had just held meetings with the Tigers, expressed confidence that the group would submit its counter- proposals on the GSL's nort [...] |
2003-09-19 06:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1684 |
Ambassador Lunstead presents credentials to [...] (C) The Ambassador, accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Mission, called on President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on the evening of September 26 at her official residence to present his credentials. In a very brief ceremony (according to Sri Lankan practice, no formal remarks were made [...] |
2003-09-29 07:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER EINV US CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1706 |
Peace process update: Tigers set to meet in [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the latest peace process news, Tiger officials are set to meet in Dublin to discuss the group's response to the GSL's north/east administration proposal. The Tigers also recently held a high-level meeting with the Norwegian-led ceasefire monitoring mission to discuss ways to [...] |
2003-10-01 10:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS ASEC CE NO EI LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1708 |
Key Muslim Minister discusses peace process [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador met September 30 with Rauf Hakeem, Muslim party leader and Minister of Ports and Shipping. Asked for his views regarding the peace process, Hakeem expressed his concern over the Tigers' absence from the negotiating table and their apparent efforts to marginalize [...] |
2003-10-01 11:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV SOCI EINV CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1713 |
Tokyo co-chairs agree on modalities for review [...] (U) Tokyo process co-chairs (Japan, EU - Italy, and EC, Norway and US) met October 1 for briefing on EU Troika meeting in New York on Sept 25 with PM Wickremesinghe. New information from briefing was that: --Italian Foreign Minister Frattini, on behalf of EU, formally offered to host next r [...] |
2003-10-02 06:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID PREF CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1724 |
USAID STAFF DISCUSS WORKING LEVEL ISSUES WITH LTTE [...] (SBU) Per recent State Department guidance approving operational/working level discussions with counterpart LTTE representatives (reftel) and based on a September 18 meeting between the Embassy's front office and USAID Sri Lanka staff, on September 29 and 30 two USAID [...] |
2003-10-03 06:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID PTER CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO175 |
Close adviser to president downplays talk of [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador had a very interesting conversation on January 29 with Ronnie De Mel, a close adviser to President Kumaratunga and a senior MP in her People's Alliance (PA) party. De Mel downplayed recent reports that the president was angling for early parliamentary elections. [...] |
2003-01-29 10:12:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1752 |
As plan to demobilize child soldiers gets [...] (C) SUMMARY: A UNICEF-led program to demobilize child soldiers kicked off recently, and has sparked some debate. In a related development, reports now indicate that the day after the first "transit center" opened, the Tigers allegedly abducted several children in the east. The issue of chil [...] |
2003-10-08 09:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PREL PINS PHUM CE UNICEF LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1762 |
Tamil MPs candidly discuss peace process [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador met October 9 with key MPs from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). Asked for their views on the peace process, the MPs said the inability of internally displaced persons to return to their lands was causing great discontent. The MPs said progress toward peace wou [...] |
2003-10-10 05:10:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV PINS PHUM CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1778 |
USAID STAFF DISCUSS WORKING LEVEL ISSUES WITH LTTE [...] (SBU) Based on recent State Department guidance approving operational/working-level discussions on relief and development issues with counterpart LTTE representatives (Ref B) and a September 18 meeting between the Embassy's front office and USAID/Sri Lanka staff, two USAID staff met on Octob [...] |
2003-10-14 03:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID PTER CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1781 |
Tiger delegation wraps up meeting in Ireland [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tamil Tigers have wrapped up their meeting at the Glencree Center for Reconciliation located south of Dublin. The Glencree meeting appears to have helped the group further polish its response to the GSL's north/east interim administration proposal. The Tiger delegation is n [...] |
2003-10-14 11:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE NO EI LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1789 |
Ending a long-standing dispute, Parliament [...] (C) SUMMARY: Sri Lanka's Parliament passed a bill granting citizenship to over 160,000 tea estate Tamils on October 7. The bill ends a decades-old dispute that pitted the majority Sinhalese community against the wider Tamil community and involved the GSL in years of tense negotiations with [...] |
2003-10-09 01:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM SOCI PREL CE IN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1798 |
Tigers widely blamed in killings of six more [...] (C) SUMMARY: Six more Tamils have been killed in separate incidents in the past three weeks. As with the roughly 40 similar incidents in past months, the Tigers have been widely blamed for the latest slew of killings, with some observers contending that the group is trying to wipe out perce [...] |
2003-10-16 10:43:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1831 |
Norwegian envoy briefs donors on status of the [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador Lunstead attended a meeting of major bilateral donors to Sri Lanka on October 21. Norwegian Ambassador Brattskar briefed the group on the status of the Tiger's counterproposals developed in response to the GSL's north/east interim setup proposal. Brattskar commented t [...] |
2003-10-22 11:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER PGOV PINS KPAO CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1832 |
In Mission visit, Jaffna seems calm, but deep [...] (C) SUMMARY: DCM and SA/INS desk officer visited Jaffna for one day of meetings with military, government, and NGO officials on October 17. Based on the team's observations, a semblance of normal life is steadily returning to this war-torn area in Sri Lanka's far north. As they have in pas [...] |
2003-10-22 11:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM MOPS SOCI PREF CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO184 |
Engaging the Indians on Sri Lanka [...] (C/NF) While in Washington last week, I discussed with the Deputy Secretary and with you the possibility of our engaging with India on the subject of Sri Lanka's move toward peace. In this connection, I present the following thoughts for your review. 2. (C/NF) As you know, Sri Lanka's pe [...] |
2003-01-31 06:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PTER CE IN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1845 |
President demands removal of chief monitor, [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga has requested that Norway remove the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief. In making this demand, the president complained that the SLMM had lost "objectivity." While the GoN reviews next steps, the SLMM is continuing its operations. The GSL is balk [...] |
2003-10-23 14:07:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS PHSA CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1861 |
Norwegians sending placeholder response to [...] (C) Norway is sending a letter to President Kumaratunga informing her that it is reviewing her demand that chief monitor Tellefsen be fired and that the GoN will prepare its own report on the initial October 16 incident which sparked the controversy. The Norwegian Ambassador told the Charge' [...] |
2003-10-29 10:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1878 |
U.S.-sponsored humanitarian demining training [...] (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. 2. (SBU) SUMMARY: A major State Department-sponsored humanitarian demining training initiative has entered its operational phase. Run by the RONCO Corporation, the program is training the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) [...] |
2003-10-31 06:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV EAID KHDP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1888 |
MEDIA PLAY: SRI LANKAN MEDIA RESPOND TO LTTE [...] On 11/1 the LTTE unveiled its long-await response to the GSL's Interim Administration proposals (see septel). The LTTE counterproposal elicited immediate and enormous press coverage. Some headlines covered straightforward reportage: "LTTE hands over IA proposals; copies to President and par [...] |
2003-11-03 11:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO PTER OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO189 |
INDIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER ON SRI LANKA [...] (C) SUMMARY: I met for one hour today (2/3) with Indian High Commissioner Nirupam Sen concerning the current state of peace talks in Sri Lanka. To my surprise, we agreed completely on our analysis of the situation (the trend is not positive); on the reasons why (LTTE aggressiveness, cohabitation [...] |
2003-02-03 09:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER PINR PARM CE IN ECONOMICS LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1893 |
LTTE counterproposals on interim [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Norwegian facilitators provided the Tamil Tigers' long-awaited counterproposals on the modalities for an interim administration in the north/east to the GSL on October 31. The Tiger plan, which was publicly released at a November 1 press conference, seeks wide-ranging power [...] |
2003-11-03 12:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PREL CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1901 |
MEDIA PLAY: SRI LANKAN MEDIA RESPOND TO LTTE [...] In reftels Colombo reported on the 11/1 unveiling of the LTTE's long awaited response to the GSL's Interim Administration proposals. As noted in reftel (B), the counterproposal elicited immediate and enormous coverage: all major front pages carried the story, and three English, two Sinhala, a [...] |
2003-11-04 11:17:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO PTER OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1902 |
Provoking political crisis, President fires [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a sudden move, President Kumaratunga has fired the ministers of defense, interior, and mass communications citing concerns over the "deterioration of the security situation." Late in the day, the President also suspended Parliament until November 19. The PM is in Washington [...] |
2003-11-04 12:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PREL ASEC MOPS CASC CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1916 |
President's moves place spotlight on deep [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga's dramatic November 4-5 moves against the UNP government have placed the spotlight on Sri Lanka's deep cohabitation divisions. The Constitution gives her office overwhelming executive powers. Without access to Parliament, which has been suspended, the Pri [...] |
2003-11-05 13:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PREL ASEC SOCI CASC CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1917 |
In further move, President declares state of [...] (C) SUMMARY: Adding further to her sudden actions on November 4, the President declared a state of emergency on November 5. She told the Charge' (Septel) that, despite reports to the contrary, she had not sacked the finance minister. On the evening of November 4, President Kumaratunga read [...] |
2003-11-05 13:26:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER ASEC MOPS ECON CASC CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1918 |
President Affirms Commitment to Negotiated [...] (C) Summary. President Kumaratunga called in the Charge' November 5 to clarify her actions. She said she is committed to maintaining the ceasefire with the LTTE and to reaching a "negotiated settlement" with the Tigers. She wishes the Prime Minister success in this regard but felt she had [...] |
2003-11-05 14:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINS PTER ASEC MOPS ECON CASC CE NO LTTE PLO |
| 03COLOMBO1926 |
Sri Lanka Update: MPs reportedly rally to [...] (C) SUMMARY: In reaction to the President's dramatic actions of November 4-5, MPs from the governing coalition and Tamil parties have reportedly rallied in support of the Prime Minister. There are still indications, however, that the President may be trying to tempt possible defectors. Aft [...] |
2003-11-06 12:26:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER ASEC KPAO ECON CASC CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1930 |
Sri Lanka Update: PM returns; President [...] (C) SUMMARY: To a rapturous welcome, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe returned to Colombo from the U.S. on the morning of November 7. Contacts have told Mission that the UNP government and its allies are continuing to closely consult on how to proceed in response to the President's sudde [...] |
2003-11-07 07:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER ASEC CASC CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO194 |
Key GSL Minister sets low expectations for [...] (C/NF) SUMMARY: The Ambassador met with Minister Milinda Moragoda on February 1. Moragoda set low expectations for the February 7-8 GSL-LTTE talks in Berlin and expressed concerns about Tamil Tiger activities. He also elaborated on his efforts to convince India to engage more re the peace [...] |
2003-02-03 10:56:00 | Embassy Colombo | SECRET//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PHUM PINR CE IN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1942 |
Sri Lanka update: PM begins next steps in [...] (C) SUMMARY: Prime Minister Wickremesinghe has begun consulting with party members and members of the international community to map out the next steps for his government. Indications are that he may transfer control of the peace process to President Kumaratunga, given difficulties with her [...] |
2003-11-10 11:44:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER ASEC CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1966 |
Plans by Norwegian Deputy FM Helgesen to call [...] (SBU) After concluding his November 14 briefing on his latest visit to Sri Lanka (see Septel), Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen took Ambassador Lunstead aside and said he thought it might be useful to call Deputy Secretary Armitage at some point next week. Helgesen indicated t [...] |
2003-11-14 05:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1970 |
In meeting with Ambassador, Sri Lankan Chief [...] (C) The Ambassador paid a call November 4 on the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Lionel Balagalle. During the hour-long discussion, the Ambassador reiterated to LTG Balagalle our happiness with the restraint shown by the Sri Lankan military during the past twenty months in [...] |
2003-11-14 07:32:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS PTER MOPS PINR CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1971 |
Norwegian DFM Helgesen says Prabhakaran ready [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador attended a November 14 briefing for key local diplomats given by Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Helgesen regarding his visit to Sri Lanka. Helgesen said V. Prabhakaran was relaxed during their November 13 meeting, with the LTTE leader underscoring support for [...] |
2003-11-14 07:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS PTER PINR KPAO CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO20 |
DECLARATION OF DISASTER - SRI LANKA-COMPLEX [...] SUMMARY: IN DECEMBER 2001, FOLLOWING FIVE YEARS OF THE BLOODIEST BATTLES IN SRI LANKA'S 20-YEAR CIVIL CONFLICT, THE LIBERATION TIGERS OF TAMIL EELAM (LTTE) AND THE GOVERNMENT OF SRI LANKA (GSL), RESPECTIVELY, DECLARED UNILATERAL CEASE-FIRES IN SHORT SUCCESSION. THESE UNILATERAL CEASEFIRES WE [...] |
2003-01-06 08:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID PREL PGOV PTER MOPS PHUM CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2000 |
As Tamil Tigers get ready for their important [...] (C) SUMMARY: Chief Tamil Tiger spokesman Anton Balasingham is set to resume his duties following a hiatus of several months reportedly caused by health problems. Balasingham's reemergence comes as Tiger leader V. Prabhakaran prepares for his "Heroes' Day" address, the LTTE's most important [...] |
2003-11-19 11:39:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV PINR CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2011 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 51 (11/20/03) [...] (SBU) We understand from AID that 04 global ESF levels are significantly lower than expected. Any SA views on what this might mean? (DCM) Maldives ----------- 2. (S) You will see a frontchannel reporting that the GoRM has officially asked that their Guantanamo detainee be sent home [...] |
2003-11-20 11:10:00 | Embassy Colombo | SECRET | AMGT CE MV LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO202 |
Senior GSL Minister G.L. Peiris previews [...] (C/NF) SUMMARY: In a February 3 meeting with the Ambassador, senior Sri Lankan Minister Peiris -- like other contacts -- set low expectations for the February 7-8 GSL-LTTE talks in Berlin. He said he primarily wanted to use Berlin to lay the groundwork for future rounds, including by raisin [...] |
2003-02-05 10:32:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PINR PARM ECON CE GM LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2020 |
COMPLEX EMERGENCY AND TRANSITION ASSISTANCE FOR [...] SUMMARY. AFTER TWO DECADES OF WAR THAT HAVE SHORT- CIRCUITED DEVELOPMENT AND TORN APART THE NATION'S SOCIAL FABRIC, SRI LANKA NOW FINDS ITSELF WITH AN UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE PEACE. IN ORDER FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS HISTORIC WINDOW OF OPPORTU [...] |
2003-11-24 02:56:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID PGOV CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2025 |
USAID WORKING-LEVEL MEETING WITH LTTE IN AMPARA [...] (SBU) Based on recent State Department guidance approving operational/working-level discussions with counterpart LTTE representatives (reftel) and a subsequent meeting between the Embassy's front office and USAID/Sri Lanka staff, USAID staff met on November 14 with LTTE representatives at the [...] |
2003-11-24 07:20:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID PTER CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2036 |
Acting chief of monitors says ceasefire being [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador met November 24 with Hagrup Haukland, the acting head of the Norwegian-run Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), and separately with Sri Lankan Navy Chief Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri. Haukland said the GSL and the Tigers continued to observe the ceasefire accord. [...] |
2003-11-25 09:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2045 |
In annual address, LTTE leader supports peace [...] (C) SUMMARY: Tamil Tiger leader V. Prabhakaran's annual "heroes' day" address on November 27 stressed his group's ongoing support for the peace process. The LTTE leader, however, lashed out at the confused political situation in the south, asserting that it was holding up the process. He w [...] |
2003-11-27 23:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2160 |
Ambassador meets with other Tokyo co-chairs to [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador met December 21 with representatives of the other co-chairs of the Tokyo process (Japan, Norway, Italy/EU) to discuss a possible joint statement regarding Sri Lanka's cohabitation impasse. The co-chairs agreed on the outlines of a possible statement drafted by th [...] |
2003-12-21 06:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINS CE NO JA EUN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2179 |
In meeting with the Ambassador and other local [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador joined other local co-chairs of the Tokyo process in a meeting called by the Prime Minister late December 23. The PM expressed his concerns about an official gazette notification recently approved by the President that re-arranged responsibilities among the three [...] |
2003-12-24 07:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS CE NO JA EU LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO218 |
SA/INS Director visits Jaffna -- discussions [...] (C) SUMMARY: SA/INS Director David Good led a Mission team to Jaffna on February 6. The major topic of conversation was the Sri Lankan military's "high security zones." The military stated that there were other pressing needs that need to be addressed before the security zones should be rev [...] |
2003-02-07 06:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER PHUM CE JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2196 |
Taking advantage of cohabitation crisis, [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tamil Tigers have launched a public relations effort meant to burnish their image in comparison with the ongoing cohabitation imbroglio in Colombo. The effort has included repeated (and accurate) pronouncements that the Tigers are ready to recommence talks, but cannot do so [...] |
2003-12-30 11:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM KPAO CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2200 |
AMBASSADOR DELIVERS SECRETARY'S LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador delivered letter from the Secretary to the Prime Minister on Dec 31. PM was SIPDIS appreciative of the statement issued by the Department following Moragoda meeting with the Deputy Secretary. Ambassador told the PM that a similar letter would be delivered to the President [...] |
2003-12-31 10:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS CE NO JA EU IN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO244 |
Tigers continue to formalize control in the [...] (C) SUMMARY: The LTTE continues to formalize its control of the Wanni region in northern Sri Lanka by setting up quasi-government agencies focused on such areas as law enforcement, communications, and education. In the meantime, Tiger cadre in government-controlled areas of Jaffna and the eas [...] |
2003-02-12 11:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO252 |
Japanese envoy Akashi reviews preliminary [...] (C/NF) SUMMARY: In a February 13 meeting with the Ambassador, Japanese Special Envoy Akashi reviewed preliminary plans for the Tokyo donors' conference in June, noting that exact details still needed to ironed out with the GSL. Japan felt that U.S. participation was important in giving the [...] |
2003-02-13 10:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE JA NO IN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO26 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 02 (01-06-03) [...] (C) The Ambassador received an EPDP delegation led by its leader, Douglas Devananda, today. As expected, the group complained about the LTTE. Among the EPDP's allegations of Tiger harassment were various instances of physical attacks, threats against family members, abductions, and at least [...] |
2003-01-06 11:07:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | CE MV AGMT LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO261 |
Jaffna in an uproar as Tigers ratchet up the [...] (C) SUMMARY: Jaffna is in an uproar in the wake of a February 12 confrontation between the Tamil Tigers and the military. Angry over the incident in which several cadre were injured, the Tigers forced the postponement of the planned reopening of the Jaffna Library, a cultural landmark. Tige [...] |
2003-02-14 06:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO270 |
LOCAL REACTION TO DEPUTY SECRETARY'S CSIS [...] On 2/14 Deputy Secretary Armitage made major policy remarks regarding "Sri Lanka: Prospects for Peace" while speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. The challenge for the GSL and the LTTE, Armitage said, is to create "tangible signs of progress...." He [...] |
2003-02-18 10:52:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV PTER CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO274 |
Playing hardball, Tigers continue to ramp up [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the wake of recent incidents involving the military, the Tigers continue to ramp up the pressure in the north and the east by instigating numerous rallies and general strikes. The GSL and monitors are working to calm the situation. In a rare event, recent LTTE activities hav [...] |
2003-02-18 11:25:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO284 |
HMG ON LTTE'S PROSCRIPTION UNDER UK LAW [...] (C) I met for an hour today (2/19) with HMG's very able High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Stephen Evans. Evans came to see me under instructions from London to discuss next steps in (1) moving the LTTE toward a formal renunciation of violence and (2) attaching conditionality to loans and grants [...] |
2003-02-20 03:23:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER PINR PARM CE UK LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO296 |
Some Buddhist monks protest peace process, but [...] (C) SUMMARY: A small group of Buddhist monks aligned with the radical JVP party is regularly taking to the streets to protest the GSL's peace initiative. The vast majority of Sri Lanka's monks, however, seem favorably inclined or at least neutral toward the peace process. The GSL continues t [...] |
2003-02-21 06:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PINR SOCI PHUM CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO3 |
ACTION REQUEST: Demining assistance for [...] (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. Message contains an **ACTION REQUEST** -- Please see Para 8. 2. (SBU) SUMMARY: Mines/UXO are a serious problem in Sri Lanka. After a very successful stint, the U.S.- sponsored QRDF program ended operations in [...] |
2003-01-02 10:23:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PARM PHUM PREF EAID CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO322 |
Prime Minister address on status of peace [...] (C) Summary: Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe used the February 22 one year anniversary of the formal ceasefire to comment on the status of the peace process and his vision of what is to come. Most observers viewed his speech with appreciation. The only detractors were those who were to [...] |
2003-02-25 10:52:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER PGOV PHUM CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO325 |
SRI LANKA CORE GROUP MEETING ON TOKYO DONOR [...] On February 25, Minister for Economic Reform, Milinda Moragoda, chaired a meeting of the "Core Group" to oversee the planning for the Donor Conference now scheduled for Tokyo June 9-10. Donors who have been invited to co-chair the Tokyo meeting were requested to be part of this Core Group. [...] |
2003-02-26 10:25:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO358 |
Chief LTTE negotiator in Sri Lanka to prepare [...] (C) Summary: The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's chief negotiator Anton Balasingham is visiting Sri Lanka from March 2 to 16. The visit is seen by many as an opportunity for Balasingham to prepare for the next round of peace talks and to brief the LTTE leadership on the international comm [...] |
2003-03-03 10:55:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER PHUM CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO374 |
In meeting with Ambassador, senior Tamil MP [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a March 5 meeting with the Ambassador, Gajen Ponnambalam, a senior Tamil MP, gave the peace process negative reviews, asserting that the GSL had to do more to diminish its military presence in Jaffna and in lifting fishing restrictions. Ponnambalam said the LTTE supported th [...] |
2003-03-05 10:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PHUM PINR CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO387 |
Recent peace process-related meetings [...] (C) SUMMARY: After a March 5 meeting with the Norwegian-led monitors, the Tamil Tigers released two security force personnel from detention. In an earlier meeting with UNICEF, the Tigers agreed to move forward with an "action plan" aimed at ending the use of child soldiers. In other news, [...] |
2003-03-07 05:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO39 |
Peace Process Update: Fourth round of talks [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: >> Fourth round of GSL-LTTE talks begins in Thailand >> Muslim leader Hakeem attends talks as part of GSL team -- and takes other Muslims with him >> In nationally televised address, Prime Minister reviews progress of [...] |
2003-01-07 11:37:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR CE NO JA TH LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO401 |
Opposition demonstration stirs concerns about [...] (C) SUMMARY: There are concerns that Tamils may be subject to communal attacks on the margins of a demonstration by Opposition elements in Colombo today (March 10). A letter from the president to the PM helped spark these concerns. Mission has spoken to contacts and urged that Tamils be gi [...] |
2003-03-10 11:01:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PHUM ASEC CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO410 |
SRI LANKA NAVY SINKS LTTE SHIP; MOST OBSERVERS [...] (C) Summary: After a reported exchange of fire on March 10, the Sri Lanka Navy sunk a cargo ship, that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) claimed was one of its merchant ships. While the monitoring mission investigates the incident, the Norwegian Embassy and others have expressed co [...] |
2003-03-11 11:07:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PHUM PREL MOPS CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO413 |
THIRD PLANNING MEETING FOR TOKYO [...] The third planning meeting of the Tokyo Core Group was held on March 10. The Japanese Ambassador said that his Government was waiting for confirmations from countries asked to co-chair the Tokyo Conference. Subsequent to the co-chair confirmations the Japanese would determine which countri [...] |
2003-03-12 04:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO421 |
Snapshot of a sour, suspicious Jaffna [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador visited Jaffna, March 11. The March 10 sinking of a LTTE arms resupply ship was on everyone's minds, with the military and Tamils in sharp discord on the GSL's action. The military, which was highly critical of the LTTE, defended the size of its security zones. T [...] |
2003-03-12 11:03:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS PHUM ECON KPAO CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO428 |
MEDIA PLAY: AMBASSADOR WILLS VISITS JAFFNA [...] Ambassador Wills' 3/11 visit to Jaffna (see reftel) was noted in segments of the English and Sinhala press, and garnered substantial and positive coverage in the Tamil press. 2. English and Sinhala dailies. Under the front-page headline "Wills says 'peace at hand'" the DAILY MIRROR (indep [...] |
2003-03-13 10:34:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO430 |
Tigers still seem on board for talks at this [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the aftermath of the sinking of one of their ships, the Tigers have withdrawn cadre from areas in the north/east. At this point, they still seem willing to attend the talks due to be held March 18-21 in Japan. A Norwegian team is in country, trying to keep things afloat. T [...] |
2003-03-13 10:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO436 |
Demining: Advance team prepares the way for [...] (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please protect accordingly. 2. (SBU) SUMMARY: Preparations for the arrival of the second round of the USG-funded Quick Reaction Demining Force (QRDF) are well in gear. The GSL is proving very helpful in arranging for the QRDF's return. M [...] |
2003-03-14 06:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV PREF PTER CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO450 |
LTTE to participate in sixth round of talks in [...] (C) SUMMARY: After much back-and-forth, the Tigers have decided to attend the sixth round of talks slated to take place in Japan, March 18-21. In agreeing to attend, the Tigers have made clear they will complain about the recent sinking of one of their ships by the navy. The Norwegian facil [...] |
2003-03-17 11:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PINR CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO462 |
Sixth round of GSL-LTTE talks reportedly gets [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tigers used the first day of the sixth round of talks in Japan to condemn the March 10 sinking of one of their resupply ships by the Sri Lankan navy. Milinda Moragoda, a key GSL minister and negotiator, called the Ambassador from Japan and said atmospherics for the first day [...] |
2003-03-19 11:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PINS PARM CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO47 |
Day two of talks: GSL and LTTE agree that [...] (C) SUMMARY: On day two of talks in Thailand (January 7), the GSL and Tamil Tigers began discussing the sensitive Jaffna security zone issue. The two sides did not reach agreement on how to handle the zones, but they agreed to continue discussing the matter. On a negative note, the Tigers [...] |
2003-01-08 11:10:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS CE NO TH LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO475 |
Sixth round of Sri Lanka-Tamil Tiger peace [...] (C) SUMMARY: The sixth round of GSL-Tamil Tiger peace talks are set to wrap on March 21. Mission will provide the Department with the joint press statement issued at the end of the talks as soon as it is available. Thus far, the talks have largely focused on ceasefire modalities, developmen [...] |
2003-03-20 06:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PINR CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO481 |
D'S MEETING WITH G L PERIIS [...] (C) You have met with GL before and will thus recall that he is a man of spectral gauntness, extraordinary intellect and unfailing optimism. It is this latter quality that I want to draw your attention to prior to your meeting. By all accounts, and despite having been wounded himself in an L [...] |
2003-03-24 05:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINR PGOV CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO485 |
Sixth round of talks proves constructive; [...] (C) SUMMARY: The sixth round of GSL-LTTE talks wrapped up on March 21, with the two sides issuing a comprehensive press statement. Minister Moragoda, a key GSL negotiator, told the Ambassador he was encouraged by the talks -- the Tigers seemed committed to the peace track for now and badly w [...] |
2003-03-24 09:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS KPAO CE NO JA CH LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO495 |
SRI LANKA: ECONOMIC GULF BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH [...] (C) Summary: The economic gulf between northern and southern Sri Lanka, formed over two decades of conflict, is poised to widen in the coming years. Sri Lanka, though nominally a united nation, is in fact divided on multiple fronts - political, military, social and economic. Since the form [...] |
2003-03-25 09:44:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PTER EINV CE LTTE ECONOMICS |
| 03COLOMBO497 |
FOURTH TOKYO CORE GROUP MEETING ROUNDUP [...] The UN and ADB reported on the Needs Assessment Validation Workshop held in Kilinochchi last week. It was attended by 150 people, 50 of whom were LTTE, including three LTTE consultants from Australia, senior central and provincial level Government staff, NGOs and civil society. There were n [...] |
2003-03-25 10:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO507 |
TERRORIST FINANCE: RESPONSE TO REQUEST ON [...] As reported in Ref B, as of April 2002 Sri Lanka's Central Bank had frozen the assets of a single account suspected of financing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, designated by the U.S. under E.O. 13224 on November 2, 2001. 2. The Controller of Exchange of Sri Lanka's Central Bank co [...] |
2003-03-26 07:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON ETTC PTER CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO513 |
Peace process update: More re sinking of [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: >> Sinking of Chinese fishing boat still under investigation, but Tigers look more-and-more like the culprits >> In brave but dangerous move, Tamil leader hits out at the Tigers >> Unconfirmed reports that the Tigers [...] |
2003-03-25 13:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM PINS CE NO JA CH LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO52 |
GSL-LTTE talks in Thailand: Fourth round [...] (C) SUMMARY: The fourth round of GSL-LTTE talks wrapped up in Thailand on January 9. Key understandings reached by the two sides included their agreement to move forward on resettling displaced persons. They also agreed to continue discussions re security zones in Jaffna, and to involve th [...] |
2003-01-09 11:14:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS EAID PHUM CE NO TH LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO536 |
Sri Lanka's Supreme Court rules that [...] (C) SUMMARY: Sri Lanka's Supreme Court ruled March 25 that the previous government violated the fundamental rights of numerous Tamils by preventing them from voting in the December 2001 general election. Human rights activists applauded the ruling, stating that it set a precedent for freer-an [...] |
2003-03-28 05:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM KJUS SOCI CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO542 |
PRESIDENT KUMARATUNGA PROCLAIMS SHE IS PRO-PEACE, [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga convoked the diplomatic corps on short notice Monday, March 31, to discuss current events. Iraq did not come up. She assured us all that she is for peace and a federal solution and is also inclining toward an alliance with the hard left JVP. She also pro [...] |
2003-03-31 10:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER PINR PARM LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO543 |
In positive move for peace process, Tigers [...] (C) SUMMARY: A March 27 meeting between Muslims and the Tamil Tigers has gone some way toward dealing with a long-standing dispute over land. The dispute revolves around Muslim claims that the Tigers have kicked them off land they own in the east. Muslim and Tamil representatives laud the [...] |
2003-03-31 10:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PHUM ECON SOCI CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO551 |
GSL considering a referendum re federalism [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a March 29 conversation with the Ambassador, Minister Moragoda said the GSL was thinking of holding a referendum on federalism later this year. He commented that the PM believed the referendum idea could be a way to place opponents of the GSL's peace initiative on the defensiv [...] |
2003-04-01 10:01:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO575 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 52 (04-03-03) [...] (U) Colombo 561 described GSL's request that the US buy Sri Lankan tea for humanitarian aid to Iraq. The Ambassador needs to have an answer to this action request by Friday Sri Lanka time so he can get back to the requesting Ministry. We understand this isn't much time to get Washington to a [...] |
2003-04-03 09:43:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | CE MV AGMT LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO576 |
Leading Tamil politicians criticize Tigers in [...] (C) SUMMARY: Two key Tamil politicians have ramped up their criticism of the Tigers in recent weeks. The politicians, V. Anandasangaree and N. Raviraj, charge the Tigers with using strong-arm tactics in their bid to control the Tamil community in Jaffna. The course the two have chosen is a c [...] |
2003-04-03 09:50:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM NO JA PINR CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO589 |
Tamil Tigers criticize U.S. over "exclusion" [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a rare formal public statement, the Tamil Tigers have criticized the U.S. over not being invited to the upcoming Washington Seminar on Sri Lanka. Mission is also picking up some low-key bad vibes from the group's supporters in Sri Lanka over the matter. Overall, our guess is [...] |
2003-04-04 13:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID ASEC CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO600 |
FIFTH CORE TOKYO GROUP AND WIDER GROUP MEETING [...] SUMMARY: The Core Group meeting provided an update on the status of the upcoming Seminars, workshops and planning sessions in Washington, Colombo and Japan in preparation for the June 9-10 Tokyo Donor Conference. The agenda for Tokyo is evolving and the latest version referenced below has be [...] |
2003-04-09 03:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO606 |
DRAFT DONOR STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES RE FOREIGN [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. This is an ACTION message. This cable contains the latest draft of the Donors' statement of principles regarding provision of foreign assistance to Sri Lanka as the peace process proceeds. It has been agreed to (ad referendum) by all of Sri Lanka's major bilateral donors at [...] |
2003-04-09 07:37:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID PREL CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO612 |
Report re Jaffna security zones recommends [...] (C) SUMMARY: Minister Moragoda (pls protect) has provided us a copy of a long-awaited re the security zones in Jaffna. The report, which was written by a retired Indian general, recommends that the GSL and Tigers agree to mutual drawdowns of their military positions. In doing this, both si [...] |
2003-04-09 09:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO643 |
Protesting "exclusion" from April 14 seminar, [...] (SBU) In a public statement issued late April 12, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) organization announced that it was reviewing its decision to participate in the donors conference scheduled to be held in Tokyo in June. The statement, which was posted on the pro-LTTE website "Tami [...] |
2003-04-12 12:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID ASEC CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO657 |
REVISED DONOR STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES RE FOREIGN [...] (U) This is an ACTION request, please see para. 6. 2. (SBU) Summary: This cable contains the latest draft of the Donors' statement of principles regarding provision of foreign assistance to Sri Lanka as the peace process proceeds. The text has been agreed to (ad referendum) by all of Sri L [...] |
2003-04-16 09:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID PREL CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO658 |
In visit to eastern Sri Lanka, contacts complain [...] (C) SUMMARY: Poloff and Pol FSN visited Trincomalee, the major port city in eastern Sri Lanka, on April 12. Interlocutors expressed admiration for the government's efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement to the conflict, but expressed deep concerns about the Tamil Tigers' commitment to the [...] |
2003-04-16 10:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO66 |
Journey of a human rights activist: From a [...] (C) SUMMARY: Father Harry Miller (AMCIT -- strictly protect), a Catholic priest and resident of Sri Lanka for almost 55 years, is changing his tune on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. Prior to the start of the peace process in December 2001, Miller was for many years harshly critica [...] |
2003-01-10 06:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PTER SOCI CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO670 |
MEDIA PLAY - 4/14 WASHINGTON CONFERENCE [...] On April 14 Deputy Secretary Armitage hosted an international conference on Sri Lanka for representatives of 21 countries and 16 international organizations who gathered to discuss Sri Lanka's peace negotiations, and international assistance for the Island's development and reconstruction. As [...] |
2003-04-17 09:52:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO674 |
In meeting with Ambassador, key aide reviews [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an April 16 meeting, former FM Kadirgamar provided a readout of President Kumaratunga's recent visit to India. Based on the New Delhi meetings, Kadirgamar said the GoI seemed to want to become more engaged re Sri Lanka. In Chennai, Chief Minister Jayalalitha Jeyaram undersc [...] |
2003-04-17 10:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER CE IN NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO682 |
MEDIA PLAY - 4/14 WASHINGTON CONFERENCE - [...] On April 14 Deputy Secretary Armitage hosted an international conference on Sri Lanka for representatives of 21 countries and 16 international organizations who gathered to discuss Sri Lanka's peace negotiations, and international assistance for the Island's development and reconstruction. La [...] |
2003-04-21 09:52:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO687 |
Muslim-Tamil Tiger violence flares anew in [...] (C) SUMMARY: Muslim-Tamil Tiger violence erupted in eastern Sri Lanka, April 17-18. Five people were reportedly killed, with many displaced. Muslim politicians have threatened to boycott Parliament if the GSL does not address the situation. After a lull in violence that lasted several mon [...] |
2003-04-19 08:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM PREF CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO688 |
Tigers announce they are suspending peace talks; GSL, most observers see move as tactical [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a press release dated April 21, the Tamil Tigers suspended their participation in the peace talks and said they will not attend the June donors conference. The GSL has not yet reacted in public to the statement (short of a very brief letter to the Tigers taking note of their stateme [...] |
2003-04-22 09:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER KPAO EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO695 |
MEDIA PLAY - LTTE SUSPENDS PEACE TALKS [...] On April 21, the LTTE announced it suspending peace talks scheduled for April 29 in Thailand. In a letter to the GSL, the LTTE listed its reasons for suspending talks as: its exclusion from the 4/14 Washington Conference, problems with the ceasefire accord implementation, and that GSL had no [...] |
2003-04-23 08:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO696 |
GSL continues to mull over response to LTTE's [...] (C) SUMMARY: Key Ministers Moragoda and Peiris told the Ambassador that the GSL continues to mull over its response to the Tigers' decision to withdraw from the peace talks. The government seems to be leaning toward a restrained, but firm approach at this time. Taking another tack, the pre [...] |
2003-04-23 08:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PINS EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO704 |
FINAL DONOR STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES RE FOREIGN [...] (U) This is an ACTION request, please see para.7. 2. (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified. -- Please handle accordingly. 3. (SBU) SUMMARY: This cable contains the final draft of the donors statement of principles regarding provision of foreign assistance to Sri Lanka as the [...] |
2003-04-24 09:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID PREL PGOV CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO705 |
In another negative signal, Tigers postpone meeting of key assistance committee [...] (C) SUMMARY: Late April 23, the Tamil Tigers postponed the next meeting of a key committee focused on humanitarian assistance issues. Admitting to being caught off guard, the Norwegian facilitators are reviewing next steps. The Indian polcouns told us he thought the decision was another tactical st [...] |
2003-04-24 09:47:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO707 |
PRESS RELEASE - "US AMBASSADOR'S REACTION TO LTTE [...] No summary [...] |
2003-04-24 09:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP CE PTER EGEN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO714 |
MEDIA PLAY - AMBASSADOR WILLS' 4/24 REUTERS [...] On April 21, the LTTE announced it was suspending peace talks. In a letter to the GSL, the LTTE listed its reasons for suspending talks as: its exclusion from the 4/14 Washington Conference, problems with the ceasefire accord implementation, and that GSL had not focused enough on rebuilding t [...] |
2003-04-25 05:50:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO PTER OPRC KMDR OIIP CE EGEN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO715 |
Key minister expresses confidence that talks [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an April 24 press conference, Minister G.L. Peiris, the government's chief spokesman and negotiator, expressed confidence that the peace process will get back on track. He noted that the GSL's formal reply to the Tigers' statement pulling out of the peace talks was still bei [...] |
2003-04-25 03:10:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO720 |
Tigers issue constructive response to U.S. [...] (C) SUMMARY: Late April 25, chief Tamil Tiger negotiator Anton Balasingham issued a direct response to the April 24 U.S. statement re the group's pullout from the peace talks. Balasingham's statement underscored that the Tigers still support a negotiated settlement to the conflict and said [...] |
2003-04-26 06:46:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PREL PINS KPAO CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO721 |
MEDIA PLAY - MORE COVERAGE OF AMBASSADOR WILLS' [...] On April 21, the LTTE announced it was suspending peace talks. In a letter to the GSL, the LTTE listed its reasons for suspending talks as: its exclusion from the 4/14 Washington Conference, problems with the ceasefire accord implementation, and that GSL had not focused enough on rebuilding t [...] |
2003-04-28 10:26:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO PTER OPRC KMDR OIIP CE EGEN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO730 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 66 (04-29-03) [...] (SBU) We understand that the government is in the process of issuing its formal response to the Tigers' April 21 statement announcing their suspension of the peace talks. We'll analyze it once we see it. (POL) 2. (C) In other peace process news, the Ministry of Defense has announced tha [...] |
2003-04-29 11:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | CE MV AGMT LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO731 |
SIXTH TOKYO CORE AND EXPANDED GROUP MEETING OF [...] SUMMARY: GSL and multilaterals assess the Washington Seminar a success. Planning for the Tokyo Donor's Conference continues as scheduled. The Colombo pre-Tokyo Seminar has been postponed. GSL, multilateral and Bilateral donors have mixed views and strategies regarding the LTTE suspension fr [...] |
2003-04-30 01:42:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO735 |
Reports steadily mount that Tigers are [...] (C) SUMMARY: Reports are steadily mounting that the Tigers are assassinating Tamil opponents, especially military informants and those in anti-Tiger political parties. The government has been slow in investigating the cases, but has recently formed a commission to look into the matter. Whi [...] |
2003-04-30 10:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO736 |
HRDF Grants: Proposal for removal of [...] Per Reftel, Mission is submitting a proposal to remove unexploded ordinance (UXO) from urban areas in the north of Sri Lanka. Background for and description of the UXO proposal follow. 2. BACKGROUND: In support of the USG's pro-peace process and humanitarian agenda in Sri Lanka, Mission [...] |
2003-04-30 10:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV KSEP EAID CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO75 |
PEACE PROCESS UPDATE: LTTE NEGOTIATOR SPEAKS [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: -- LTTE negotiator Balasingham speaks out -- Norwegian Prime Minister responds to president's charges -- Kofi Annan to visit in February; Japanese Special Envoy Akashi also on the way -- Exploring federalism ---- [...] |
2003-01-13 11:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO755 |
Norwegians, Japanese press Tigers to return to talks and to attend donors conference [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian and Japanese representatives are urgently trying to convince the Tigers to get back to the peace table and to attend the June donors conference. So far, the Tigers are not playing ball. The next best chance to change their minds seems to be GoJ envoy Akashi´s May 7 meeting [...] |
2003-05-05 04:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO764 |
Retired Indian general in Sri Lanka to discuss [...] (C) SUMMARY: A retired Indian general has arrived in Sri Lanka to discuss his report on ways to resolve the controversial Jaffna security zones issue. Even as he stepped off the plane, there has been another dustup over the matter, with the Tigers criticizing a government plan to relocate m [...] |
2003-05-03 02:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS MOPS CE IN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO773 |
Tigers meet Japanese envoy and are [...] (C) SUMMARY: Japanese envoy Akashi met May 7 with Tiger leader Prabhakaran and pressed the LTTE to return to the peace talks. Akashi also gave the Tigers one week to make a final decision on whether they will attend the June donors conference in Tokyo. Prabhakaran was noncommittal, althoug [...] |
2003-05-07 07:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO779 |
MEDIA PLAY: International "Safety Net" for Sri Lanka's [...] Summary: The fate of the peace talks, together with international efforts to coax the LTTE back to the negotiating table, dominated the week's press. English and vernacular headlines chronicled a string of international visitors who made their way to the Wanni to encourage the LTTE to retur [...] |
2003-05-09 06:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO780 |
In latest effort, Norwegian facilitators press [...] (C) SUMMARY: Closely following up the visit of a senior Japanese envoy, Norwegian facilitator Erik Solheim met May 8 with Tiger leaders. The meeting was cordial, but the Tigers did not confirm that they will come back to the peace talks or attend the June donors conference. Norway's FM is [...] |
2003-05-09 06:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO819 |
NORWEGIAN FM PRESSES TIGERS, BUT NO SIGN OF [...] (C) SUMMARY: NORWEGIAN FM PETERSEN MET WITH THE TIGERS ON MAY 15. DESPITE HIS BEST EFFORTS, THE TIGERS DID NOT SAY THEY WILL RETURN TO THE TALKS, NOR DID THEY COMMIT TO ATTEND THE TOKYO DONORS CONFERENCE. THE JAPANESE EMBASSY HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT HAS RECEIVED NO FURTHER WORD FROM THE TIGE [...] |
2003-05-16 06:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO829 |
Norwegians continue effort to engage Tigers, [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the latest effort to get the peace process on track, GoN Deputy Foreign Minister Helgesen met with the Tigers, May 17. Helgesen told us that he urged the Tigers to attend the Tokyo donors conference. In response, the Tigers agreed to review Norwegian proposals re assistance [...] |
2003-05-19 11:20:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO830 |
Sri Lankan government requests assistance re [...] (C) Over the May 17-18 weekend, key Sri Lankan minister Milinda Moragoda spoke with Ambassador Wills several times re the May 12 arrest of three suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) members in Thailand on weapons charges (see Para two for more details). Minister Morogoda express [...] |
2003-05-13 11:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER CE TH LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO838 |
Mission recommendation regarding Tokyo donors [...] (C) SUMMARY: As matters now stand, it seems probable that the Tamil Tigers will not participate in the Tokyo donors conference in June, raising the question of whether the event should go forward. After much reflection, we argue that it should proceed as planned whether or not the Tigers at [...] |
2003-05-20 11:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO851 |
Tigers issue hard-edged letter demanding [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tamil Tigers have sent the Norwegian facilitators a tough letter demanding the setting up of an "interim administrative structure" in the north/east, which the group would control. The Tigers say they might restart peace talks and come to the Tokyo conference if the governm [...] |
2003-05-21 11:46:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO873 |
Norwegians set to try again with Tigers; [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the latest effort to convince the Tigers to come to the Tokyo conference, a Norwegian envoy is working with the GSL on ways to meet the group's demands re control of assistance funds. Sharply curbing the GSL's room for compromise on the matter, the president has harshly crit [...] |
2003-05-27 11:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO898 |
MEDIA PLAY: Armitage to Attend Tokyo Conference [...] Summary: On 5/23 Washington announced that Deputy Secretary Armitage would attend the Tokyo Conference on SIPDIS reconstruction for Sri Lanka. Post issued a similar press release to local media on 5/24. Independent and government-owned television stations heralded Armitage's decision in [...] |
2003-05-28 11:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO90 |
Key GSL minister reviews status of peace [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a January 13 meeting with the Ambassador, Milinda Moragoda, a key GSL minister, reviewed the status of the peace process. At the recent talks, he said, the LTTE had pressed hard on the Jaffna security zone issue. An agreement was not reached, but the two sides agreed to kee [...] |
2003-01-14 11:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR PHUM CE IN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO910 |
Norwegians deliver GSL proposal re assistance [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian facilitators delivered the latest GSL proposal re assistance to the Tigers late May 28. The Tigers indicated that they need time to review it. The government is only beginning to brief the public on the matter, but, based on what we are hearing, the proposal would go [...] |
2003-05-29 10:50:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO920 |
Sri Lanka: Status of USAID/Office of [...] SUMMARY: As Washington prepares for the Tokyo Donors' Conference next month, we thought it useful to provide an update on what promises to be a highly successful assistance program in Sri Lanka. USAID/OTI has made excellent progress during the past two months and should become fully operation [...] |
2003-05-30 05:58:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID PGOV PREL |