US embassy cable - 05COLOMBO1030

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 001030 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR EB A/S ANTHONY WAYNE; SA/INS FOR J. BRENNIG, N. 
DEAN; PLEASE PASS TO TSUNAMI RECONSTRUCTION TASK FORCE; 
TREASURY FOR C. CARNES 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAID, ECON, PGOV, CE, MV, Tsunami 
SUBJECT: SRI LANKAN POST-TSUNAMI RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE 
(JUNE 09, 2005) 
 
 
1.  (U) This cable is for the post-tsunami IAWG meeting on 
June 9, 2005. 
 
Transitional Housing 
-------------------- 
2.  (SBU) Transitional housing re-entered the limelight 
this week following a meeting convened by the Finance 
Secretary at the request of the International Financial 
 
SIPDIS 
Institutions (IFIs).  While the Government has been 
preparing to declare victory on the transitional front, 
there are concerns that the number nearing completion 
(30,000) may be insufficient for overall demand. 
Apparently many victims continue to stay with relatives or 
close friends, a trend that UN and other agencies believe 
may be unsustainable.  The GSL has agreed to review the 
situation. 
 
Monitoring Aid: Donor Assistance Database 
----------------------------------------- 
3.  (SBU) The GSL (TAFREN), in partnership with UNDP, 
unveiled the Donor Assistance Database (DAD) program on 
June 8.  Econchief and USAID Program Analyst attended.  The 
program is a comprehensive, web-based interface that is 
user friendly and intuitive.  As with most applications of 
this nature, its success will be a direct reflection of the 
seriousness with which both the GSL and the donor community 
use it.  It is open for all donors, including NGOs, and 
TAFREN will initially populate the data with information it 
has from donors.  Individual donors will then be able to 
update and add information as their programs progress. 
UNDP ResRep told Econchief that they had tried to get the 
GSL to implement such a database prior to the tsunami, but 
the GSL had resisted.  We hope that if successful, the 
database will expand to include tracking non-tsunami 
assistance as well.   Access should be possible for 
Wasington-based agencies -- we will double check.  The 
initial user names and passwords should be available in 
about another 7 - 10 days and the program is to be fully 
operational by August 20 (including additional components to 
track housing and livelihood programs more comprehensively). 
 
100m/200m DVC Follow-Up 
----------------------- 
4.  (SBU) We continue to seek funding to bring three 
participants from the May 19 DVC on coastal management to 
Colombo for follow-on discussions. The President has 
appointed a committee to review the 100/200 meter buffer 
zone and, reportedly, has asked them to report back in six 
weeks.  The committee is headed by her personal secretary, 
Mr. W.J.S. Karunaratne and includes representatives from 
Urban Planning, TAFREN, Coastal Conservation Commission and 
the Geological Survey.  TAFREN Housing Director Gehan 
Wijegoonewardene told Econchief he had been asked to 
participate, but that there is still some confusion as to 
who will sit on the committee and when the six-week clock 
starts ticking.  (Note: Wijegoonewardene expressed some 
dismay at being appointed, as he is planning to return to 
his regular employment (with MAS Ltd, one of Sri Lanka's 
largest garment manufacturers) on July 1.  Econchief 
posited that that was okay; he could make garments to pay 
the bills and rebuild the country as a hobby. End note). 
Post would appreciate any consideration Washington agencies 
could give to helping to sponsor travel and per diem for 
the three USG officials.  Public Affairs is looking at 
possible travel money in Colombo.  USAID is also pursuing 
possible funding through OFDA. 
 
GSL Outreach 
------------ 
5.  (SBU) Treasury Secretary PB Jayasundera has begun a 
series of out-station meetings with citizens to monitor 
progress on rebuilding.  Jayasundera is not the warmest of 
government officials, so his sudden populist turn is 
interesting.  We have been invited to attend these meetings 
and will try to have representation at some.  Ambassador in 
particular believes he has noticed a change in 
Jayasundera's outlook since the Development Forum in Kandy, 
which, as we reported, was very candid and where the 
Secretary provided a very open, honest assessment of 
 
SIPDIS 
challenges and problems, and the difficulties in finding 
suitable solutions. 
 
Debt Relief 
----------- 
6.  (U) On debt relief, Sri Lanka has accepted our offer, 
but has not, we believe, concluded an MOU with the Paris 
Club - though they have indicated their intention to do 
so.  Post understands Washington agencies are scrubbing 
current draft of the bilateral agreement proposal.  We look 
forward to receiving it as soon as possible. 
 
Maldives 
-------- 
 
7.  (U) Econchief discussed the US contribution to the 
Maldives' tsunami relief fund with Ministry of Finance 
Executive Director Riluwan Shareef on June 6 and is 
planning to visit Maldives with USAID program analyst on 
June 13 to discuss specific projects.  According to 
Shareef, Maldives sees three primary sectors with funding 
gaps - 1) water and sanitation; 2) transportation and 
access; and, 3) administration and capacity building.  We 
are inclined toward the first two, which we believe would 
include more tangible, measurable projects such as waste 
water treatment, waste management facilities, jetties, sea 
walls, etc.  We will have more info on this following our 
meetings next week. 
 
8.  (U) As we understand the current thinking in 
Washington, the Department, via the Embassy, will be the 
primary point-of-contact with the GORM with regard to 
establishing a bilateral agreement to give the money and L 
is considering what kind of agreement is needed.  At post, 
ECON, USAID and PD will work together to monitor and 
publicize implementation. We would appreciate further 
guidance on how to establish a bilateral agreement. 
LUNSTEAD