US embassy cable - 05COLOMBO1860

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001860 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EFIN, ETTC, KVPR, PREL, PTER, KTFN, CE, LTTE - Peace Process 
SUBJECT: COLOMBO TERRORISM FINANCE COORDINATION OFFICER 
(TFCO) 
 
REF: STATE 175637 
 
1.The contact information for the TFCO for Colombo, Sri Lanka 
is the following: 
 
      James F. Entwistle, Deputy Chief of Mission 
      94-11-244-8007 extension 2433 
      EntwistleJF@state.gov 
 
2.  The contact information for the TFCO deputy for Colombo, 
Sri Lanka is the  following: 
 
      Dean R. Thompson 
      94-11-244-8007 extension 2420 
      ThompsonDR@state.gov 
 
3. Answers to reftel questions are below: 
 
 
(c) Regional meetings with other TFCOs would be helpful, as 
would a listing with classified email addresses of TFCOs and 
backups.  At times the issues are extra-regional (for 
example, LTTE fundraising in Canada) and it would be useful 
to have a 
directory to help with information sharing and inquiries. 
 
Econ chief will attend the TF training in Washington in 
November and hopes to develop more insights into the 
interagency coordination processes and enlarge our contact 
network through this mechanism. 
 
(d) Sri Lankans and Maldivians are generally very aware of 
terrorism finance issues and press accounts have periodically 
noted that the US recognizes LTTE affiliated entities such as 
the Tamil Relief Organization (TRO).  Post can easily arrange 
for placement of public diplomacy articles, op-eds and other 
media pieces in local media outlets. 
 
(e) On a Sri Lanka specific matter, we have asked on several 
occasions that Washington look into the finances of the Tamil 
Relief Organization (TRO) USA.  The UK recently banned the 
TRO, not for terrorism links, but rather shoddy accounting 
procedures and opaque bookkeeping.  We believe, given the 
links 
between TRO and the LTTE, that the USG is entitled to ask for 
explanation as to the ultimate disposition of TRO fundraising 
efforts. 
 
LUNSTEAD