. COUNTRY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Immigration and Nationality

Directorate

BULLETIN 1/2004 (August 2004)

Contents 1. Introduction 1.1 2. Recent Political Developments General Elections 2.1 The Make up of the current government 2.17 Continuing peace process 2.25

3. Reference to source material

Introduction

1.1 This Bulletin has been produced by the Country Information and Policy Unit, Immigration and Nationality Directorate, Home Office, from information about Sri Lanka obtained from a wide variety of recognised sources. It does not contain any Home Office opinion or policy.

1.2 This Bulletin has been prepared for background purposes for those involved in the asylum / human rights determination process. The information it contains is not exhaustive. It concentrates on the issues most commonly raised in asylum / human rights claims made in the United Kingdom.

1.3 The Bulletin is sourced throughout. It is intended to be used by caseworkers as a signpost to the source material, which has been made available to them. The vast majority of the source material is readily available in the public domain.

1.4 This Bulletin is intended to cover major developments that have taken place in Sri Lanka since publication of the Sri Lanka Country Report in April 2004 and must be read in conjunction with that. It considers events up to and including 25 June 2004.

1.5 This Bulletin and the accompanying source material are publicly disclosable. Where sources identified in the Bulletin are available in electronic form the relevant link has been included. The date that the relevant link was accessed in preparing the Bulletin is also included. Paper copies of the sources have been distributed to nominated officers in Asylum Caseworking Directorate and all Presenting Officer Units.

Recent Political Developments (2 April – 25 June 2004)

General Elections – 2 April 2004

2.1 The Guardian, in an article dated 5 April 2004, reported that UPFA (United People Freedom Alliance), the coalition led by President , had won 105

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 seats, 8 short of a parliamentary majority forcing her to find more coalition partners to form a government. The UNP (United National Party), the main opposition party led by the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, reduced its number of seats from 109 to 82. The TNA (), openly backed by the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) gained 22 seats in the 225-seat parliament. “Although there were allegations of vote-rigging, especially in the war-torn north and east of the country, the elections were uneventful. During the last election, in 2001, 25 people were killed on election day”. [1]

2.2 The final official results were published in the official web-site of the Department of Elections. Other parties that obtained seats in parliament were: JHU (Jathika Hela Urumaya) with 9 seats; SLMC (Sri Lanka Muslim Congress) with 5 seats and UCPF (Up- Country People’s Front) and EPDP (Eelam Peoples Democratic Party) with respectively 1 seat each. [2] The National Assembly has 225 members, elected for a six-year term, 196 members elected in multi-seat constituencies and 29 by proportional representation. [3]

2.3 The BBC reported on 3 April 2004 that “Election monitors declared the poll generally free and fair”. According to the Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake, mentioned by the BBC, although there were 250 complaints of intimidation or ballot stuffing during the polls, voting was free of violence. “Generally speaking, election laws were very well enforced." For the first time all polling stations in the country were monitored by election monitors. The BBC also reported that “Although there were few reports of violence, Tamil parties opposing the Tamil National Alliance accused the Tigers of intimidation and malpractice.” [4 a] According to the final report of the European Union’s Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary Elections (issued on 17 June 2004) problems occurred in the North and East on polling day. “EU and domestic observers reported widespread impersonation and multiple voting in most cluster stations.” [5] (p2)

2.4 The BBC report continued commenting that the UNP appeared to have lost support in its traditional stronghold Sinhalese villages bordering the northern conflict zone that had voted overwhelmingly for the party in the previous poll [December 2001]. [4 a]

2.5 According to a report of BBC News Online correspondent in , dated 3 April 2004, amongst the factors that might have contributed to the defeat of the UNP leader Wickramasinghe are the fact that many people believe he had given too many concessions to the Tamil Tigers, that his policies favoured the rich and failed to impress the population and that he lacks charisma and may have lost out in the battle of personalities with the president. [4 b]

2.6 According to the EU EOM report: ”Overall, it would be fair to conclude that the 2004 elections were largely conducted in a democratic manner, apart from the North and the East. If the election results in the North and East had been a critical factor in determining who formed the government, it would have raised questions about the legitimacy of the final outcome. The events that took place in this part of Sri Lanka during the course of this election were totally unacceptable and are the antithesis of democracy. “[5] (p3)

2.7 The report continued: “During the 2004 elections the major incidences of violence originated with the LTTE, whereas in the earlier elections, the primary source of the violence (although not all) were the country's two largest political parties. However, tension between them still resulted in some violence this time, especially in Kurunegella and Digamadulla at the end of the election campaign. A number of factors contributed to

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 the overall improvement. In the 2000/2001 elections, the rule of law was not enforced impartially. This created an election environment which experienced unacceptable violence and intimidation. In contrast, policing of the 2004 campaign and Election Day was much less politicized. During the campaign the police also enforced the prohibition of posters and political processions, removing potential flashpoints and therefore contributing to a substantial decrease in election-related violence. The combined effect of the establishment of a National Police Commission and the determination of the Commissioner of Elections contributed to the substantial improvement.” [5] (p1)

2.8 According to the EU EOM report, the reason for the LTTE motivated violence was due to two factors: firstly that the LTTE intended that no other rival Tamil party to the TNA would be able to claim to represent Tamil interests; secondly the split between the LTTE in the north and in the east that exacerbated the situation. [5] (p2)

2.9 The EU EOM report continued: “The election campaign experienced a number of other significant shortcomings. Although there were fewer complaints about abuse of state resources during the 2004 campaign, there was, once again, major controversy regarding media reporting of the election. The state controlled media which was under the control of Presidential appointees did not fulfill their duty to ensure that all political parties and candidates obtained balanced and objective coverage thereby ensuring voters were provided with sufficient and objective information upon which to base their choice. Additionally some of the private electronic media also failed to discharge their responsibilities in this way.” [5] (p2)

2.10 The report continued stating that: “Apart from the unique problems of the North and East, the overall election administration functioned well. Personnel at all levels were well prepared, well organized and fulfilled their responsibilities professionally and impartially. Despite the fact that 17th Amendment to the Constitution has not been fully implemented, the Commissioner of Elections has been able to exercise some of the powers vested in him by this amendment compared to previous elections. Strengthened by these powers and his already established commitment to conducting a "free and fair election" the Commissioner of Elections earned the respect of Sri Lanka's diverse political community. His consensual approach and the way he involved representatives of the political parties instilled confidence in and respect for the election administration.” [5] (p2)

2.11 According to the EU EOM observers: “Compared to the two previous elections, the scale and gravity of the problems was greatly diminished during the 2004 general election. While this is to be welcomed, it must also be stressed that there are no grounds for complacency particularly as this may give rise to false hopes that the disturbing features of the 2000 and 2001 elections will not re-occur. Although the most serious incidences of violence originated with the LTTE, it must not be forgotten that over two thousand cases of election-related violence were reported. This grim statistic underlines once again the continuing fragility of democracy in Sri Lanka.” [5] (p2)

2.12 Sri Lanka government sources detail a lower figure on complaints than the EU EOM report. [7 a]

2.13 As far as the Election Day was concerned, according to the EU EOM report:

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 “The overall pattern on Election Day was of a well-administered process with voters participating in large numbers. The EU observers assessed the polling process as good or adequate in 96% of the cases and the counting process as good or adequate in 100% of the cases. The presence of polling agents in almost all the polling stations visited (94%) and of domestic observers in 71%, is a positive aspect reinforcing the transparency of the process. At counting centre level, polling agents were also massively present…Secrecy of the vote was not fully guaranteed in 29% of the observed polling stations, mostly because of an inadequate layout of the polling station (79% of the cases)… Voters’ identity check was the most problematic aspect of the voting procedures as reported by EU observers…Observers reported that polling station officials were sometimes lax in checking voters for ink prior to voting (6%)…In Vavuniya (Mannar) and , observers saw voters already marked with ink being allowed to cast their vote a second time. They mentioned many examples of attempted impersonation. In addition, both in the North (Mannar) and in the East ( and Trincomalee), EU observers noticed people with many voter cards in their hands outside polling stations…On E-Day, the number of reported incidents was higher than in previous elections, with 275 incidents compared to the 182 reported in 2001. Nonetheless, incidents were mostly minor election-related offences, while in previous elections serious crimes and killings happened on E-Day. The fact that no curfew was imposed after E-Day is another indicator of the peaceful atmosphere characterizing the process.” [5] (p20-26)

2.14 The EU EOM report included a number of recommendations for the Sri Lankan authorities in order to ensure better conditions for future elections. [5] (p3-5)

2.15 On 12 May 2004 the state-owned newspaper Daily News reported that ”The Tamil United Liberation Front Leader V. Ananda Sangaree filed a Fundamental Rights application in the Supreme Court seeking a court declaration that the recently concluded General Election for the and Kilinochchi districts were not free and fair. Petitioner Ananda Sangaree stated that he contested for the Jaffna Electoral District at the recently concluded election. He stated that the LTTE had intimidated and blocked the campaigns of the other parties for the Election: on the other hand, fully supported the campaign of the ITAK [TNA], a party that was connected to the LTTE. The petitioner alleged that the LTTE illegally forced the people of the two districts to vote for the ITAK. The LTTE engaged in this exercise months prior to the General Election that was held on April 2. He alleged that the LTTE provided the transport facilities, food and lodging for the voters on election day in violation of the Election rules. “ [6 b]

2.16 On 3 June 2004 the same newspaper reported that the Supreme Court had granted leave to proceed with the alleged infringement of right to Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Movement, and the Equal Protection of Law to three petitioners in connection with the last General Election held in the Jaffna and Trincomalee Electoral Districts. [6 e]

The make up of the current government

2.17 On 6 April 2004 BBC news reported that “A new prime minister has been sworn in Sri Lanka, after Friday's [2 April] election which left a hung parliament. Veteran politician Mahinda Rajapakse, 58, is a senior member of President Chandrika Kumaratunga's United People's Freedom Alliance, which won most seats. However, it is eight seats short of a majority, and correspondents say frantic coalition talks are under way. Mr Rajapakse has pledged to pursue talks with Tamil rebels and called on to help revive the peace

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 process… Negotiations with other smaller parties are taking place in an effort to secure a stable government. Outgoing Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has warned that peace talks with the Tamil Tiger rebels could suffer because of the weakness of the government. For their part, the Tamil Tigers have added their own warning, saying that if they are not given self-rule, they will return to fighting.” [4 c]

2.18 On 6 April 2004 a profile of Mahinda Rajapakse was posted on the Official website of the government of Sri Lanka. Rajapakse had been leader of the opposition since March 2002. Between 1994 and 2001 he was a cabinet minister. He was first elected to parliament in 1970 when, aged 24 he became the youngest parliamentarian. [7 b] On the same day BBC News also issued a profile of the new Prime Minister. According to BBC news, Rajapakse represented a compromise candidate: “Mr Kadirgamar may have been President Chandrika Kumaratunga's first choice for the job. But his record as an unelected bureaucrat - rather than a popular leader - is said to have weighed against him. Mr Rajapakse, on the other hand, can claim to be a man of the masses. He comes from a political family - his father, DA Rajapakse, represented the same region of Hambantota from 1947 to 1965.” [4 d]

2.19 On 7 April 2004 BBC News reported that the new Prime Minister had delayed the naming of his cabinet as he continued discussions to find supporters for his minority government. “His party won last Friday's [2 April] election but is eight seats short of a majority... The complicated system of political alliances has made it difficult for Mr Rajapakse to win any direct pledges of support. …Mr Rajapakse and Mrs Kumaratunga will have to placate their allies in the Freedom Alliance, the People's Liberation Front (JVP), which had proposed a different premier. “ [4 e]

2.20 On 10 April the official website of the government of Sri Lanka reported that the new UPFA cabinet had been sworn in. Thirty one new ministers of the proposed 35 member cabinet took their oaths of office before President Chandrika Kumaratunga. “Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse was appointed Minister of Highways in addition to his Prime Ministerial duties. The Ministries of Defense [sic], Constitutional Affairs and Education will come under the purview of the President herself. Lakshman Kadirgamar was made Foreign Minister the same portfolio he held in the Peoples Alliance Government”. [7 c]

2.21 On 22 April 2004 W. J. M. Lokubandara, a candidate from the main Sri Lankan opposition party, was voted in as speaker in the new parliament. BBC News reported that “The President's failure to install her chosen speaker means that the opposition now controls the agenda in parliament, deciding when to table legislation and with the power to delay government business. The government had been counting on the support of right wing Buddhist MPs in the vote, but many of them abstained after their choice for speaker was rejected” [4 g]

2.22 On 19 May 2004 Daily News reported that Freedom Alliance National List MP Geethanjana Gunawardena was unanimously elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament with the consent of both the government and the opposition. It was also reported that “Apparently due to the consensus reached between the Government and Opposition, M. Sachithanandan representing the Ceylon Workers' Congress (CWC) was unanimously appointed the Deputy Chairman of the Committees.” [6 d]

2.23 On 26 May 2004 it was announced on the official website of the government of Sri Lanka that “MPs Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, D. E. W Gunasekera and Prof. Vishva Warnapala were sworn in before President Chandrika Kumaratunga, as Ministers of the

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 UPFA cabinet. MP Ratnasiri Wickremanayake was appointed Minister of Public Security, Law and Order, Minister of Buddhasasana and as Deputy Minister of Defence. MP D.E.W Gunasekera was appointed Minister of Constitutional Reforms, while Prof. Vishva Warnapala swore in as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.” [7 e]

2.24 On 21 June 2004 an updated list of cabinet ministers was posted on the official website of the Government of Sri Lanka [7 d]

Continuing peace process

2.25 On 4 April 2004 BBC News reported that the future of Sri Lanka’s fragile democracy hinged on how President Kumaratunga’s winning political alliance and the Tamil rebels healed rifts within their own ranks. “Analysts believe that the island's two-year-old ceasefire will continue to hold in a war-weary nation. But the Tamil rebels are grappling with a split after the commander in the eastern part of the country broke away from the northern leadership. In addition, President Kumaratunga's new ruling coalition is an unlikely and disparate alliance of parties who differ on ways to resolve the conflict.” [4 j]

2.26 On 5 April 2004 it was reported by BBC News that the outgoing Prime Minister [Ranil Wickramasinghe] had warned that Sri Lanka’s chances of making peace with the Tamil rebels could suffer because the new government lacked a majority. “Mr Wickramasinghe said the new government's likely reliance on coalition partners could stop it from acting decisively…A senior aide for President Kumaratunga has said the resumption of peace talks with the rebels is a top priority. “[4 k]

2.27 On 7 April 2004 BBC News reported that President Chandrika Kumaratunga had told the nation that the new government would revive peace talks with Tamil Tiger rebels. “Mrs Kumaratunga made the pledge in her first televised speech since last week's general election. On Monday, the Tigers threatened to resume their armed struggle unless they were granted self-rule…Mrs Kumaratunga has been known for her hardline approach to the Tamil Tigers but used her speech to make new overtures of peace. "We will immediately take steps to put in place a programme to resume negotiations involving all concerned parties to promote resolution of the ethnic question," she said. However, she gave no timetable for the resumption of talks.“ [4 l]

2.28 According to a BBC News report of 15 April 2004 Sri Lanka ceasefire was back on track. “Tamil Tiger rebels and the Sri Lankan army have agreed to uphold a two-year-old ceasefire. It was the first meeting between the two since a split in the rebel movement earlier this year, and signals a return to normality. The meeting coincided with the news that a senior Tamil Tiger rebel was killed by the leader of the breakaway faction, Colonel Karuna. The administration led by Colonel Karuna collapsed earlier this week after brief fighting. Ramesh, the newly installed Tamil Tiger leader in the east, called for the meeting with the Sri Lankan army. Norwegian-led peace monitors had travelled to the east to facilitate the talks. Major General Trond Furuhovde, who led the monitors, described the meeting as positive. The two sides issued a statement after the meeting saying they had restored relations and agreed to uphold the two-year-old ceasefire. “[4 m]

2.29 On 20 April 2004 BBC News reported that the Tamil Tiger leader, , had briefed 22 Tamil MPs elected in the general election of 2 April in advance of the MPs taking up their positions in parliament. “Reports from rebel headquarters say that Mr Prabhakaran told the parliamentarians to pressurise the Sri

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 Lankan government on resuming peace talks. The Tiger leader advised them to promote the proposal of the rebels for an interim self-governing authority for the north-east of the island. “[4 n]

2.30 On 23 April it was reported by BBC News that President Chandrika Kumaratunga had invited Norway to resume its role as negotiator between her government and Tamil Tiger rebels. “Norway's Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik said he had been asked by Mrs Kumaratunga to help resume peace talks, which broke down in November [2003]. Norway helped broker a 2002 ceasefire that has held ever since. Norway has replied with a conditional "yes", but stated it must be invited by rebel chiefs too before recommencing…Mrs Kumaratunga has previously accused Norway of being biased towards the rebels.” [4 o]

2.31 On 26 April 2004 BBC News reported that at least seven Tamil Tiger rebels had been shot dead in eastern Sri Lanka. A Tiger statement quoted by the BBC said that unidentified attackers had opened fire on a rebel camp near Batticaloa, that no group has said it carried out the attack and that a complaint had been lodged with the Scandinavian mission which monitors a truce between rebels and the government. “Although the identity of the assailants is unknown, the Sri Lankan army said they could be loyalists of the renegade commander, Colonel Karuna. His breakaway faction of the rebels was defeated in the Batticaloa area earlier this month. The political head of the Tigers, SP Thamilselvan, also blamed the killings on Colonel Karuna's men. The deputy chief of European ceasefire monitors in Sri Lanka, Hagrup Haukland, said that his officials were investigating the incident. “[4 p]

2.32 On 1 May 2004 the pro-LTTE website TamilNet reported that a Norwegian peace delegation led by Norway's Deputy Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgessen, had arrived in Colombo in a bid to resume the peace talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on an invitation extended by Sri Lanka’s President Chandrika Kumaratunga.” [8 g]. On 2 May 2004 the Norwegian peace delegation met with President Chandrika Kumaratunga. According to Sri Lanka government sources quoted by TamilNet, special peace envoy Erik Solheim and Norwegian Ambassador in Colombo Hans Brattskar as well as foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and foreign secretary S.Pallikhara had also participated in the talks. [8 h]

2.33 According to a BBC News report of 3 May 2004, the main concern of the Norwegian diplomats was the instability of the new minority government. According to the BBC, the Norwegians had been also worried for some time about how long the ceasefire between the government and Tamil Tigers could hold without any parallel political process, though they did acknowledge both sides had shown restraint. [4 q]

2.34 On 3 May 2004 BBC News reported that the Norwegian envoy Erik Solheim had met the Tigers’ political head in rebel-held territory a day after talks with President Kumaratunga. After that meeting the government said it was keen to restart development projects in the north and east of the country. “For the Tigers, political head SP Thamilselvan said there had been no change in the rebels' position - they wanted to be regarded as the sole representatives of Tamils and to discuss their proposals for interim power-sharing. “ [4 r]

2.35 On 4 May 2004 TamilNet reported that during a discussion the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation had told the visiting Norwegian special peace envoy Mr. Erik Solheim that "Peace talks between the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA)

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) should be held on the basis of the Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) proposal. The UPFA government should not use the opportunity of holding peace talks as a device to strengthen its position in the parliament and to obtain foreign aid." [8 i]

2.36 On 5 May 2004 TamilNet reported that Erik Solheim, the Norwegian peace envoy, had met with the leader of the opposition Ranil Wickremasinghe and briefed him on the outcome of the talks he had had with President Kumaratunga, political leadership of the Liberation Tigers, leaders of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and the Tamil National Alliance. Ranil Wickremasinghe was reported to have told the peace envoy that his party would not oppose the resumption of peace talks from where it left off and also based on the Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) proposal submitted by the LTTE in October 2003. [8 k]

2.37 On 7 May 2004 BBC News reported that Senior Tamil Tiger negotiator had arrived in Sri Lanka amid bids to resume the peace process and that he had flown to rebel-held territory in the north to meet Tamil Tiger chief Velupillai Prabhakaran. [4 t]

2.38 On 5 May 2004 TamilNet reported that two unarmed political activists of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), had been shot dead at Thannamunai near Batticaloa town in the -controlled area and that at the time of the incident the Sri Lanka Army was patrolling the area. “LTTE sources said both activists had been shot dead by Tamil paramilitary groups closely associating with the Sri Lanka Army in Batticaloa. LTTE sources further said this crime could not have been committed without the knowledge of the SLA”. It was reported that monitors from the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission had been called to the area further to a complaint from the LTTE. [8 l] On 8 May 2004 TamilNet quoted a letter from the leader of the political wing of the LTTE to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) stating that it was clear that the killers [of the two LTTE political activists] had had assistance from the Sri Lanka army. The letter warned that if the SLA continued to act in that manner the entire peace process and the cease fire agreement would being placed in heavy risk and dire consequence had to be faced. [8 m]

2.39 On 9 May 2004 TamilNet reported that a member of the Sri Lanka Army intelligence had been shot dead inside a private passenger bus when he was returning for duty in Batticaloa from Polonnaruwa. [8 n]

2.40 On 9 May 2004 BBC News reported that in a major policy shift, Sri Lanka's governing Freedom Alliance had said it would recognise the Tamil Tiger rebels, by implication as the sole representatives of the country's Tamil minority. “A statement from the Alliance said it was clear that peace talks had to be between the two main parties - the government and the rebels.” According to the BBC, “Recognising the Tamil Tigers as the sole political representatives of is a bitter pill for any hardline government to swallow, but it is a necessary one if peace talks are to take place. “ [4 u]

2.41 On 10 May 2004 Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse told the BBC that peace talks with Tamil Tigers rebels would resume before the end of July. M. Rajapakse was reported to have told the BBC Sinhala service that the opposition United National Party had already said that it would support the negotiations. [4 i]

2.42 On 10 May 2004 the head of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) issued a press release stating that the killings of members of LTTE and government forces was a serious threat to the ceasefire and the peace process and urged the parties to stop the killings

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 immediately. Referring to the killings in the eastern areas of Sri Lanka he wrote that such killings, especially when they appeared to be systematic, created oppression, spread fear and mistrust and were also undermining the mutual trust between the parties and the peoples of Sri Lanka. [11 a]

2.43 On 11 May 2004 TamilNet reported that Norway’s Foreign Minister Jan Petersen and his deputy Vidar Helgesen had met with President Kumaratunga had had wide-ranging discussions and that Petersen was expected to convey the outcome of the talks to the leader of LTTE. [8 q]

2.44 On 11 May 2004 TamilNet reported that Jan Petersen had met Velupillai Pirapaharan, the leader of the Liberation Tigers and his political advisor, Anton Balasingham in Kilinochchi to discuss issues relating to the resumption of peace talks with the government. “The talks between the LTTE leader and the Norwegian foreign minister covered a wide range of issues regarding the ceasefire agreement and the basis for restarting the talks, LTTE officials in Kilinochchi said. “ [8 j]

2.45 On 12 May 2004 Daily News reported that “Norwegian foreign Minister Jan Petersen who handed to President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga the LTTE's proposals for the resumption of peace negotiations, said that his talks with the Government and the LTTE had been positive and that there is a clear commitment from both parties to resume direct negotiations… Both President Kumaratunga and LTTE Leader Prabhakaran reaffirmed their request to Norway to act as facilitator for the process". [6 a]

2.46 On 19 May TamilNet reported that a Constable of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Directorate of Internal Intelligence had been shot dead by an unidentified gunman in Batticaloa town. [8 p]

2.47 On 21 May 2004 Daily News reported that the government had announced that it expected a more positive role for the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) over violations of the ceasefire agreement in future. “Cabinet spokesman and Minister Reginald Cooray said the killing [of a police intelligence operative] has been brought to the notice of the SLMM and the international community. We strongly condemn the killing of the police intelligence operative in Batticaloa by suspected LTTE pistol gang members.” [6 f]

2.48 On 24 May 2004 it was announced by TamilNet that Kumaravel Thambaiah, a senior lecturer in the Eastern University had been shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his home in Batticaloa town. [8 o] On 25 May 2004 LTTE condemned the murder and demanded a full and independent enquiry by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) (TamilNet 25 May 2004) [8 d]

2.49 On 24 May 2004 Daily News reported that the Norwegian special peace envoy Eric Solheim had arrived again in Sri Lanka to meet President Kumaratunga and the LTTE leadership and prepare the ground for the peace talks. [6 h]

2.50 On 26 May 2004 a news release from the LTTE Peace Secretariat stated that the Norwegian team had conveyed to the LTTE the thinking of President Chandrika Kumarathunga that the discussions on ISGA proposals should take place parallel to the discussions on core issues. “In responding to the President's thinking, Thamilchelvan said that institutionalizing the ISGA should take place first so that we can demonstrate to the people that their urgent humanitarian needs would be effectively met with by the ISGA and will help to build confidence among the people who are the real stakeholders in the peace process. “[12 a]

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004

2.51 On 28 May 2004 TamilNet reported that President Kumaratunga had held a discussion with the visiting Norwegian special peace envoy Erik Solheim on the prospects of holding peace talks. “Sri Lanka Government and the Liberation Tigers are not close to an agreement on the time and modality of resuming the peace process, political sources in Colombo said.” President Kumaratunga was reported to have informed Norwegian facilitators that her government was prepared to resume talks with the LTTE but expressed her stand on the procedure. According to TamilNet, the question of preparing the agenda for the resumption of peace talks was also discussed. [8 e]

2.52 On 31 May 2004 TamilNet reported that Aiyathurai Nadesan, a leading Tamil journalist had been shot dead by unidentified gunmen. According to TamilNet, Nadesan had been very critical of the Sri Lanka Army and paramilitary groups. [8 f]

2.53 On 1 June 2004 the official website Sri Lanka Government Secretariat for Co- ordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) reported a joint press statement of the Sri Lanka donors co-chairs. According to the press statement: “In a world of competing crises, Sri Lanka donor Co-chairs came together today and urged in the strongest possible terms a rapid resumption of the peace negotiations so that Sri Lanka can benefit from the generosity of the international community. They noted that, with so many other demands on donors, donor attention and funding might go elsewhere unless the peace process makes progress… The Co- chairs looked forward to collaborating with the new United People’s Freedom Alliance government and welcomed President Kumaratunga’s initiative to start the process for the resumption of the Peace Talks by calling on Norway to continue its role as facilitator. The Co-chairs commended the LTTE for reciprocating the request to Norway and expressing their commitment to resume the Peace Talks. They urged all political parties in Sri Lanka to support these talks. The Co-chairs also repeated their continued full support to Norway’s challenging task as facilitator. The Co-chairs were pleased to note that, by and large, the ceasefire has been upheld for more than two years with the assistance of the Nordic Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission. But the Co-chairs registered rising concern with the number of killings in the East recently. They condemned all such killings and called on both parties to do their utmost to continue to respect and implement the Ceasefire Agreement as the basis for the Peace Process. Co-chairs welcomed the recent co-operation between the Government and LTTE in the eastern Batticaloa district, with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, to improve the overall security situation.” [10 a]

2.54 On 2 June 2004 the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) issued a press release stating that further to a meeting between GOSL (Government of Sri Lanka) and LTTE representatives LTTE had agreed to immediately establish a direct liaison with Sri Lanka Police. “The LTTE further agreed to provide information to assist with the identification and apprehension of criminal elements in Batticaloa area… The Parties agreed to arrange regular coordination meetings between local LTTE and Security Forces commanders… The Parties agreed to continue to uphold and respect the Cease Fire Agreement entered into between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on the nd 22 of February 2002.” [11 b]

2.55 On 12 June 2004 BBC News announced that President Chandrika Kumaratunga had said there was no agreement yet with the Tamil Tiger rebels about how to resume stalled peace talks. “She said she wanted to discuss plans for self-government in rebel areas.

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 But, in a TV address, she stressed this could only be done as part of talks on a final peace deal. Tamil politicians said on Thursday [10 June] after meeting the President that she had expressed willingness to negotiate the single issue of self-government. Mrs Kumaratunga has long resisted the Tigers' demand that their plan for self-government of the island's north and east should be discussed first. In her national address on Saturday [12 June], she said there had been no breakthrough. However she insisted that both sides were committed to the ceasefire.” According to the BBC the President’s speech appeared to contradict the statement of a member of the Tamil National Alliance according to whom the President had told TNA that she was willing to discuss the interim administration proposal without any precondition [4 s]

2.56 On 12 June 2004 it was announced by the Government Secretariat for Co-ordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) that in the TV address of 12 June 2004, President Kumaratunga had also said that she was setting up a National Advisory Council on Peace and Reconciliation. “Since the UPFA promised to conduct transparent and inclusive negotiation, I am initiating a broad-based national forum – the National Advisory Council on Peace and Reconciliation (NAC) – that will provide a means for the people of the country to contribute to a political settlement and work towards reconciliation. I will convene the NAC which will include political, religious and social leaders in the country to ascertain their views on how to bring peace, democracy and development to the country.” [10 b]

2.57 According to a news release issued by LTTE Peace Secretariat on 12 June 2004: “Linking the ISGA with permanent political resolution is a manipulative strategy to take forward the peace process for a short while and then to abort it. President's real agenda is not aimed either at interim resolution or a permanent resolution. This truth and reality dawned on the Tigers and hence their rejection of the President's suggestion…To make political negotiations successful it is essential that gradual progress from easily agreeable issues leading subsequently to difficult political issues must be adopted….If this is not adopted the foundation for peace laid with international assistance during the last three years would be shattered and Sri Lanka will again be converted into bloodbath.” [12 c]

2.58 On 15 June 2004 the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) issued a press release stating that a delegation from the government had met a delegation from the LTTE in Batticaloa. “The parties focused on reviewing the decisions arrived at the last meeting held on 2nd June 2004 concerning its implementation. And it was also agreed by both parties to consolidate the co-operation between them in order to avoid any violation of the Cease Fire Agreement. The Parties agreed to continue to uphold and respect the Cease Fire Agreement entered into between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of nd Tamil Eelam on the 22 of February 2002.” [11 c]

2.59 On 16 June 2004 it was announced by LTTE Peace Secretariat that the Norwegian ambassador Hans Brattskar had met the head of the LTTE political wing SP Tamilselvan in Kilinochchi. Tamilselvan was reported to have expressed concern over the lack of progress in the political arena and about some reports in Sri Lanka’s state media relating to alleged confrontations between the dissident Karuna element and the LTTE. [12 b]

2.60 On 17 June Daily News reported the Norwegian ambassador as saying: "We are continuing discussions on the issue of the peace talks. I think that we still are some way away from agreeing on the modalities and the timing for talks. But, as facilitator, it is important for us with continuing discussions with both the parties… We will continue go back and forth between the parties, as facilitator until there is an agreement between both

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 parties on the future steps. I feel we are not quite there, but we will continue our discussions. That is our role.” [6 g]

2.61 On 17 June TamilNet reported that around sixty thousand people had taken part in a protest march held in Jaffna town, putting forward five demands including: the restoration of normal life; the establishment of the Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA); the expedition of rehabilitation of internally displaced families; the end of all violence in the east and the safeguard upcountry Tamils from persecution. According to TamilNet a memorandum addressed to the President demanded the government should abandon its “lethargic attitude” and take immediate steps to fulfil the five demands. [8 a]

2.62 On 19 June TamilNet reported the Special LTTE Commander for Batticaloa- Ampara, Col.Ramesh as saying: “We have confirmed reports that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) is giving shelter to Karuna [leader of a splinter faction of LTTE] and that the Sri Lanka military is trying to use him against the Liberation Tigers… If the Sri Lanka government tries to wage war against us making use of Karuna, there will be serious repercussions and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action." According to TamilNet, Col.Ramesh had said that four senior women cadres including the military and political wing leaders who were with Karuna had re-joined the LTTE early in the week. [8 b]

2.63 On 20 June 2004 Sunday Observer reported that the Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen had met with President Kumaratunga while the President was on an unofficial visit to London. It further reported that, while that meeting took place, Norwegian special envoy Erik Solheim simultaneously had had a discussion with LTTE theoretician Anton Balasingham at the latter's London residence. According to Sunday Observer: “Despite LTTE political wing leader S. P. Thamilselvan's claim in Kilinochchi after a meeting with Norwegian Ambassador Hans Bratskaar that the talks are crippled, the Ambassador after talking to Thamilselvan met Peace Secretariat head Jayantha Dhanapala in Colombo, all indicative of an early resumption of talks.” The article went on to say that: “According to knowledgeable sources the Norwegian facilitators are expected in Colombo after the President returns to the country and would engage in further talks with the LTTE before fixing a date for talks.” [9]

2.64 On 21 June 2004 TamilNet reported that the revelation by four Senior LTTE women commanders who had escaped from Colombo and rejoined the LTTE, that Karuna was working with the Sri Lanka Security Forces in Colombo, was likely to raise serious doubts on the bona fides of the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and had introduced a potentially explosive component to prospects for peace. “Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Secretary of Defence, Cyril Herath, told the BBC Sinhala Service Sandeshya that he denies totally the allegations by the LTTE that GoSL is providing shelter to Karuna. He said that these are just allegations and if the LTTE can provide evidence, the GoSL will investigate the matter.” [8 c]

2.65 On 21 June 2004 BBC News reported that Tamil Tigers rebels had accused the Sri Lankan security forces of aiding and abetting the breakaway rebel commander Karuna. BBC quoted the Sri Lankan military spokesman denying reports that Colonel Karuna had been helped by the security forces and stating: “Our stand remains the same - we have no involvement with any of these groups”. “But – continued the BBC report - the Tigers have produced four senior female fighters - including the former women's military wing head Nilavini - who say they were with Colonel Karuna when he vanished in April. They say a Muslim former parliamentarian, Ali Zahir Mowlana, helped them escape from the eastern jungles to the capital. Mr Mowlana admits he did, but says he acted on humanitarian grounds and had no contact with Colonel Karuna after helping the group get to Colombo. “ [4 h] Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004

2.66 On 22 June 2004 BBC News reported that the Sri Lankan military had insisted it was not involved in any way in helping a top rebel defector escape and wage a covert war of attrition against the Tamil Tigers. “The Sri Lankan military spokesman Colonel Sumedhra Perera says there is no possibility that military intelligence or any other part of the armed forces helped Colonel Karuna escape or hide during the last two months. But a former opposition MP from the east, Ali Zahir Mowlana, has admitted he transported the breakaway rebel leader to Colombo in mid-April. The military spokesman says if this was done it was without knowledge of the security forces. Asked how Colonel Karuna could have crossed in a vehicle out of rebel territory into government areas without being detected, Colonel Perera said it was possible the soldiers at the checkpoints did not recognise the rebel leader. This would be in spite of Colonel Karuna's picture being widely printed in newspapers at the time. Colonel Perera also said there were many rebels dispersing at the time from areas in the east that are not tightly cordoned off. He also said Colonel Karuna must have entered government territory disguised as a civilian like many other people from the north-east. ” [4 f]

2.67 On 25 June 2004 Daily News reported that the government spokesman minister Mangala Samaraweera had said that it was obvious that UNP Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe had played duplicitous role in the Karuna affair by using his advisor Ali Zahir Moulana to endanger the peace process. According to Daily News the minister had reiterated that the Government officially had had no direct or indirect involvement with the breakaway LTTE faction. "We will not do anything to jeopardise the peace discussion by any foolish adventures of this nature," The minister was also reported to have stated that the Government saw the LTTE Karuna split as an internal problem of the LTTE and it believed the two parties can settle their problems without resorting to violence and fighting. [6 c]

REFERENCES TO SOURCE MATERIAL

[1] The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk Rebels rise in Sri Lankan poll: 5 April 2004 http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1185669,00.html Date accessed: 8 June 2004

[2] Sri Lanka – Department of Elections – Result of Parliamentary General Election April 2004 – http://www.slelections.gov.lk/2004/index.html Date accessed: 26 May 2004

[3] Electionworld.org/ Elections around the world http://www.electionworld.org National Assembly: 2 April 2004 http://www.electionworld.org/srilanka.htm Date accessed: 28 may 2004

[4] BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk a President ahead in Sri Lanka poll: 3 April 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3590757.stm Date accessed: 8 June 2004 b Why did Sri Lankan PM lose votes?: 3 April 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3597099.stm Date accessed: 8 June 2004 c New Sri Lankan premier sworn in: 6 April 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3602529.stm Date accessed: 8 June 2004 d Profile: Mahinda Rajapakse: 6 April 2004

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3602101.stm Date accessed: 8 June 2004 e Sri Lankan cabinet naming delayed: 7 April 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3606995.stm Date accessed: 7 June 2004 f Army denies aiding Tiger defector: 22 June 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3830777.stm Date accessed: 7 July 2004 g Opposition wins Sri Lankan vote: 22 April 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3648811.stm Date accessed: 27 May 2004 h Tigers accuse Sri Lanka military: 21 June 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3826761.stm Date accessed: 22 June 2004 i Sri Lanka peace talks 'by July': 10 May 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3700601.stm Date accessed: 11 May 2004 j Analysis: Peace process under shadow: 4 April 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3599037.stm Date accessed: 24 June 2004 k Sri Lanka PM's peace warning: 5 April 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3599951.stm Date accessed: 8 June 2004 l Kumaratunga pledge on peace talks: 7 April 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3609115.stm Date accessed: 8 June 2004 m Sri Lanka ceasefire back on track: 15 April 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3628013.stm Date accessed: 8 June 2004 n Tamil Tiger leader briefs new MPs: 20 April 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3643055.stm Date accessed: 27 May 2004 o Norway invited to Sri Lanka talks: 23 April 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3652265.stm Date accessed: 8 June 2004 p Rebels 'shot dead' in Sri Lanka: 26 April 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3659507.stm Date accessed: 8 June 2004 q What now for Sri Lanka peace? 3 May 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3680511.stm Date accessed: 7 June 2004 r Peace envoy meets Tamil rebels: 3 May 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3677591.stm Date accessed: 8 June 2004 s Sri Lanka plays down talks hopes: 12 June 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3801807.stm Date accessed: 14 June 2004 t Tamil negotiator back for talks: 7 May 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3692487.stm Date accessed: 8 June 2004 u Sri Lanka U-turn on Tamil Tigers; 9 May 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3699117.stm Date accessed: 10 May 2004

[5] EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Sri Lanka, Parliamentary elections - April 2004: 17 June 2004 http://www.eueom-srilanka.com/EUEOM%20Sri%20Lanka%202004%20- %20Final%20Report%20(EU).pdf Date accessed: 17 June 2004

[6] Daily News (state-owned newspaper) http://www.dailynews.lk a Clear Govt, LTTE commitment to resume direct negotiations: 12 May 2004 http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/05/12/new01.html Date accessed: 12 May 2004 b General Election in Jaffna, Kilinochchi districts not free and fair: 12 May 2004 http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/05/12/pol03.html Date accessed: 12 May 2004 c Govt has no involvement with Karuna faction – Mangala: 25 June 2004 http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/06/25/pol10.html Date accessed: 25 June 2004 d Geethanjana Deputy Speaker: 19 May 2004 http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/05/19/pol02.html Date accessed: 19 May 2004 e Supreme Court grants leave to proceed: 3 June 2004 http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/06/03/pol21.html Date accessed: 11 June 2004

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 f Government seeks positive role for SLMM: 21 May 2004 http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/05/21/sec01.html Date accessed: 21 May 2004 g Efforts will continue to resume peace talks : Envoy: 17 June 2004 http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/06/17/sec01.html Date accessed: 17 June 2004 h Solheim arrives today: 24 may 2004 http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/05/24/securitylead.html Date accessed: 24 May 2004

[7] Government of Sri Lanka http://www.priu.gov.lk a Parliamentary Election 2004 – Police Log: 1 April 2004 http://www.priu.gov.lk/Election_2004.html Date accessed: 4 June 2004 b Rajapakse sworn-in Prime Minister: April 6, 2004 http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca200404/20040406mp.htm Date accessed: 17 June 2004 c UPFA Cabinet swears in: 10 April 2004 http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca200404/20040410upfa_cabinet_sw ears_in.htm Date accessed: 16 June 2004 d Cabinet Ministers http://www.priu.gov.lk/Govt_Ministers/Indexministers.html Date accessed: 21 June 2004 e Three new ministers sworn-in:26 May 2004 http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca200405/20040526three_new_minist ers_sworn_in Date accessed: 21 June 2004

[8] TamilNet (pro-LTTE website) http://www.tamilnet.com a Protest rally in Jaffna draws large crowd:17 June 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=12229Date accessed: 7 July 2004 b "SLA is giving shelter to Karuna"- Ramesh: 19 June 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=12244 Date accessed: 21 June 2004 c Details of Karuna's whereabouts emerge: 21 June 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=12253 Date accessed: 21 June 2004 d LTTE demands SLMM inquiry into academic's murder: 25 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=12078 Date accessed: 26 May 2004 e Solheim meets Kumaratunge, sides no closer to agreement: 28 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=12097 Date accessed: 28 May 2004 f Batticaloa journalist shot dead: 31 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=12121 Date accessed: 6 June 2004 g Norwegian peace delegation arrives in Colombo: 1 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=11886 Date accessed: 14 June 2004 h Norwegian facilitators meet Sri Lanka's President: 2 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=11895 Date accessed: 14 June 2004 i Norwegian peace envoy meets TNA delegation: 4 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=11908 Date accessed: 29 June 2004 j Norwegian foreign minister meets Pirapaharan: 11 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=11961 Date accessed: 12 May 2004 k Solheim briefs Wickremasinghe: 5 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=11911 Date accessed: 29 June 2004 l Two LTTE activists shot dead in Batticaloa: 6 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=11914 Date accessed: 29 June 2004 m Peace Process, MoU at grave risk- LTTE: 8 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=11934 Date accessed: 29 June 2004 n SLA intelligence operative shot dead in Batticaloa: 9 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=11944 Date accessed: 29 June 2004 o Eastern university don shot dead: 24 May 2004

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=12068 Date accessed: 1 July 2004 p Police intelligence operative shot dead in Batticaloa: 19 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=12034 Date accessed: 14 June 2004 q Petersen to meet Pirapaharan in Kilinochchi: 11 May 2004 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=11958 Date accessed: 30 June2004

[9] Sunday Observer (state-owned newspaper) http://www.sundayobserver.lk Positive signs on peace front: 20 June 2004 http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2004/06/20/sec01.html Date accessed: 21 June 2004

[10] Sri Lankan Government Secretariat for Co-ordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org a Joint press statement: 1 June 2004 http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/insidepages/Internationalsuppoer/jointDonorPR/JointPress Statement030604.asp Date accessed: 3 June 2004 b Our Policy on Peace Negotiations:12 June 2004 http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/insidepages/stories/PressRel130604.asp Date accessed: 14 June 2004

[11] Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission SLMM http://www.slmm.lk a Killing of Members of LTTE & Government Forces – A serious threat to the Ceasefire and the Peace Process: 10 May 2004 http://www.slmm.lk Date accessed: 11 May 2004 b GOSL and LTTE agree on establishing security measures: 2 June 2004 http://www.slmm.lk/ Date accessed: 17 June 2004 c Discussion between the GOSL and the LTTE: 15 June 2004 http://www.slmm.lk/ Date accessed: 17 June 2004

[12] LTTE Peace Secretariat http://www.lttepeacesecretariat.com/mainpages/n26054.htm a "Institutionalise ISGA, then the core issues can be discussed" -Tamilselvan tells Norwegians: 26 May 2004 http://www.lttepeacesecretariat.com/mainpages/n26054.htm Date accessed: 26 May 2004 b Uphold CFA to bring about normalcy and deliver humanitarian assistance: 16 June 2004 http://www.lttepeacesecretariat.com/mainpages/n16064.htm Date accessed: 16 June 2004 c Future of peace in Sri Lanka in the hands of the international community: 11 June 2004 http://www.lttepeacesecretariat.com/mainpages/n12064.htm Date accessed: 14 June 2004

Sri Lanka Country Information Bulletin 1/2004