US embassy cable - 05COLOMBO1979

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 001979 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/22/2015 
TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, PTER, KIRF, CE, Elections, Political Parties, Religious Freedom 
SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: PRESIDENT RAJAPAKSE SOUNDS MODERATE 
NOTES IN INAUGURAL ADDRESS 
 
Classified By: DCM JAMES F. ENTWISTLE FOR REASONS 1.4 (B&D) 
 
SUMMARY 
-------- 
 
1.  (C) On November 19 Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse took 
the oath of office as the Democratic Socialist Republic of 
Sri Lanka's fifth Executive President.  Following the 
swearing-in ceremony, Rajapakse addressed the nation listing 
his objectives of averting war, supporting the Cease Fire 
Agreement (CFA), achieving an honorable peace in an undivided 
island, creating a socially just economic policy, defending 
religious freedom and human rights while pursuing an 
Asia-centric progressive foreign policy.  References to the 
CFA and religious freedom show more moderation and nuance 
than his stump speeches or the policies of his campaign 
partners, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and Jathika 
Hela Urumaya (JHU). END SUMMARY. 
 
PEACE SOON 
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2.  (U) Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse took the oath of 
office as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka's 
fifth Executive President on November 19.  In his address 
to the nation following the swearing-in ceremony, Rajapakse 
set out his goals for the country.  He identified his first 
priority as avoiding a return to war with the Liberation 
Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by supporting the current CFA 
and seeking a honorable peace agreement that addresses the 
needs of all Sri Lanka's ethnic communities.  Citing his 
election as a mandate from the people against the division 
of the country, he promised to begin a peace process "based 
on that premise."  Rajapakse confirmed his administration's 
commitment to the CFA.  Unlike prior speeches where he called 
for a review or renegotiation of the CFA, his address asked 
only to "review the operations of the Ceasefire" in order to 
enforce its provisions.  Acknowledging complaints from the 
Muslim community that their interests were not represented in 
earlier talks, he proposed replacing bilateral talks with the 
LTTE with multilateral talks, including the Muslim community. 
 Although during the campaign his allies in the JVP decried 
foreign interference in Sri Lanka's internal affairs, 
Rajapakse said only he would consult unidentified "friendly 
countries who have worked with us in the past," to help build 
a consensus.  He pledged to engage the LTTE in direct talks 
as soon as the Tigers declare their willingness to talk. 
 
GOD IS WATCHING US 
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3.  (U)  Rajapakse invoked Buddhist teachings as the basis of 
a disciplined society that would uphold the rule of law while 
protecting culture and morals.  Rajapakse's campaign alliance 
with the JHU raised concerns that an anti-conversion bill 
could gain momentum. His address attempted to allay fears 
that he was anti-Christian.  He pledged that all citizens 
could conduct their religious affairs freely while calling 
on Sri Lankans to make use of the "noble teachings of all 
religions."  As if to close the door on religious 
sectarianism, Rajapakse flatly stated, "There will be no 
state interference in religion." 
 
 
MAKING MONEY AND INFLUENCING PEOPLE 
------------------------------------- 
4.  (U) Rajapakse said he aims  to create a socially just 
macro-economic policy that would nonetheless maximize foreign 
investment. His address promised to use all the positive 
features of the free market system while giving priority to 
local entrepreneurs to develop agriculture, industries and 
services.   He described his foreign policy as progressive, 
seeking close cooperation with Sri Lanka's Asian friends 
(unnamed) and protecting Asian value systems (unspecified). 
 
COMMENTS 
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5.  (C)  Compared to the campaign rhetoric used by Rajapakse 
and his chauvinistic allies on the stump, the inaugural 
address appears to move the President closer to the center. 
He sidesteps threats to renegotiate the CFA by calling for a 
review of CFA "operations," which his predecessor Chandrika 
Kumaratunga had sought, and effective enforcement of existing 
provisions. His thanks to friendly foreign countries could be 
seen as salve for his bashing of Norwegian peace facilitator 
during the campaign.  His statement prohibiting state 
interference in religions is aimed at reassuring Christians 
that overwhelmingly supported his challenger Ranil 
Wickremesinge.  Considering the very narrow margin of victory 
in the November 17 vote -- and his asymmetrical support among 
the Sinhalese Buddhists in this ethnically and religiously 
diverse society-- President Rajapakse has made a smart tactical 
first step to broaden his appeal.  The challenge, however, will 
be to put these more moderate statements into effect. 
LUNSTEAD