US embassy cable - 02COLOMBO2046

UNCLAS COLOMBO 002046 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
FOR SA/INS, CA/OCS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PINS, ASEC, CASC, CE, MIssion Security 
SUBJECT:  Sri Lanka:  Muslim-Sinhalese riot in Colombo 
leaves one dead; tensions continue to smolder 
 
 
1. (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- 
Please handle accordingly. 
 
2. (SBU) On the afternoon of October 30, a riot erupted 
in Maligawatte, a northern suburb of Colombo, between 
Sinhalese and Muslim residents.  The initial dispute 
reportedly began when Sinhalese locals protested against 
the start of construction of what was apparently a 
mosque.  One person died during the riot, reportedly 
from a rubber bullet fired by the police, and 
approximately 20 others were injured.  A number of 
vehicles and buildings (included the home of one FSN) 
were reported burnt down.  The police imposed a curfew, 
and the military assisted in enforcing it, from 4pm 
October 30, until 6am the following morning.  As of late 
afternoon October 31, confrontations between the two 
communities continued; the police have imposed another 
curfew.  The clash between the Muslims and Sinhalese 
does not appear linked to the peace process. 
 
3. (SBU) One American citizen (Amcit), a Mission Warden, 
residing in Maligawatte phoned Conoff on the afternoon 
of October 30 advising him that rioting was taking place 
outside his home and that rioters were breaking into 
surrounding houses.  Conoff kept the Amcit on the line, 
calming him, while the RSO coordinated with local police 
to ensure protection of the property.  The police 
guarded the house for the remainder of the night and 
withdrew the next morning.  There was no reported damage 
to the Amcit's residence after the police arrived; 
windows were broken earlier in the day. 
 
4. (U) Mission sent the following message to the 
American Community through the Warden Network on October 
30: 
 
BEGIN TEXT: 
 
Riots broke out today between Muslim and Sinhalese 
faction in the Maligawatte section of greater Colombo. 
There have also been clashes reported in the Borella 
section.  Police have rerouted traffic northbound out of 
Colombo, toward the airport, through Kaduwela and across 
the Kaduwela Bridge, about 15 miles southeast of 
Colombo.  Traffic through this area is very heavy. 
Police have announced a curfew in those areas and the 
surrounding areas.  The army has deployed to restore 
order in the Maligawatte area.  Spontaneous riots could 
start in other areas. 
 
The Embassy urges all Americans in Sri Lanka to abide by 
any local curfew.  Because violence might erupt quickly, 
we urge you to be especially aware of what is going on 
around you.  If violence erupts in your area, you should 
remain in your homes, if possible.  Please feel free to 
contact the Embassy (448-601) if you see violence erupt 
in your area.  The Embassy will send other messages as 
the situation develops. 
 
END TEXT. 
 
WILLS