US embassy cable - 02COLOMBO1869

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001869 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS TO PEACE CORPS DIRECTOR GADDI 
VASQUES 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, EAID, AMGT, CE 
SUBJECT:  REOPENING IN SRI LANKA 
 
 
1.  As you know, a security assessment team visited Sri 
Lanka a few months ago to investigate whether the Peace 
Corps could safely reopen its mission here.  At the 
moment, we are awaiting a second inspection of Sri Lanka 
by members of your staff who can determine the 
programmatic and administrative priorities should a 
mission by reestablished.  I want to reiterate how 
important I and our Country Team regard the Peace Corps' 
returning to Sri Lanka.  Although it is too early to 
predict confidently that a peace agreement will be signed 
between the government and the LTTE, it appears very 
likely that a prolonged period of ceasefire is in 
prospect.  Already, eight months have passed without 
violence.  The new government of Sri Lanka has repeatedly 
asked me to urge an early return by the Peace Corps.  The 
Prime Minister himself has frequently raised the subject 
with me, and in particular sees a vital role for the Peace 
Corps in teaching English and perhaps business education. 
 
2.  I know you face many pressures to reopen the Peace 
Corps or expand its operations in various countries.  I 
sincerely hope you will determine soon that the Peace 
Corps should reopen in Sri Lanka ASAP.  The Peace Corps is 
one of America's noblest endeavors internationally and it 
certainly has that reputation here from its many years of 
service to Sri Lanka and the United States. 
 
WILLS