SRI LANKA IN TURMOIL: IMPLICATIONS OF INTENSIFIED CONFLICT TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1995 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, Washington, DC. The subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 2:06 p.m., room 2172, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC, Hon. Douglas Bereuter (chairman of the subcommittee) presiding. Mr. BEREUTER. The Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific will come to order. Today's hearing is on Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's long and bitter civil war, which has claimed more than 35,000 lives since 1983, has recently reached a new peak of violence. In midApril, ethnic Tamil separatists fighting under the banner of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, LTTE, unilaterally violated a 3month-old cessation of hostilities agreement with the government and launched a deadly series of terrorist acts. The government, headed by President Kumaratunga, has responded with a new military offensive aimed at wresting control of Jaffna City, the main urban center of the primarily Tamon Jaffna Peninsula in Sri Lanka's northeast. Renewed violence has apparently dampened the prospects for meaningful negotiations on a farreaching plan for the devolution of power offered by the Kumaratunga Government this August. The plan, which would grant considerable autonomy and other benefits to the Tamil population of the northeast, along with other regions of the country, received considerable praise from Sri Lankan citizens from both the majority and minority communities, and the international community. Renewal and intensification of the military conflict has already exacted a terrible human toll. Allegedly in response to intimidation by the Tamil Tigers, hundreds of thousands have fled Jaffna City and are at dire risk of suffering from famine and disease. The misery of these refugees will be made more severe by the approaching monsoon season. Although I have mentioned the Sri Lanka's government peace initiative in positive terms, it is not for us to judge what is the most appropriate political solution to this conflict, nor to assess blame for its origins. Most observers agree that at various times in the modern history of this extraordinarily beautiful island, its various communities have had understandable reasons for mutual resentment. This includes both the Jaffna Tamils and the other minorities, as well as (1) the majority Sinhalese community. Most proposals for a political solution to the current conflict have revolved around plans for decentralization of power that would give greater autonomy to the various regions of the country, including the predominantly Tamil regions of the north and east. Whether the most recent plan is adequate is also not for us to say at this point. In H.J. Res. 181, introduced by the ranking minority member of the full committee, Mr. Hamilton, as I recall, which I had the privilege of co-sponsoring, Congress did commend the Sri Lankan Government for putting a significant offer on the table, and deplored the resumption of fighting as a result of the decision of the LTTE to unilaterally break the cease-fire and return to the path of terrorism. This is not the same as taking sides on the underlying political issues. Rather, it emphasizes only the legitimate parameters within which a solution should be pursued. That is, first, that the government should seek a good faith political solution to legitimate Tamil and other minority complaints and avoid violating the rights of its citizens. Second, that indiscriminate bombings, assassination and other terrorist acts are not a legitimate means of pursuing political objectives. The most recent tragic assassination of Israel's Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin reminds us how political dissent can descend into mindless violence. Under their leaders, and I hesitate with this name, but I will try, Velupillai Prabhakaran, the LTTE has employed suicide bombers against a variety of military targets and civilian leaders. Their assassination victims include a number of prominent Sri Lankan leaders, including a previous President. They are also implicated in the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991. Their excesses have alienated even the population of India's southern State of Tamil Nadu, which otherwise is sympathetic at times and in part to the Sri Lankan Tamils. Our purpose today is threefold. First, to document the current state of the conflict, including the plight of civilians caught in the cross-fire. Second, to assess the prospects for stopping the fighting and moving to the bargaining table. Third, to hear the views of our expert witnesses on what role, if any, the United States and international community can play in alleviating the suffering and facilitating a political settlement. I am pleased that we have been able to assemble a very distinguished panel to address this issue. The Administration will be represented by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs, Ambassador E. Gibson Lanpher. We have, in addition, three very knowledgeable private witnesses. Professor Marshall Singer is with the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. He is a longtime expert on Sri Lanka who has just returned from spending 2 months in Sri Lanka and India. Professor James Clad, who teaches Asian studies at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, has followed South Asian affairs closely as the New Delhi correspondent of the Far Eastern Economic Review at the Carnegie Endowment and Columbia University, before taking up his present position at Georgetown. Finally, Mr. Jim McDonald is the country coordinator for Sri Lanka with Amnesty International and has a distinguished record. Are there those among my colleagues who would like to have an opening statement? I would call first, if so, upon Chairman Gilman. Mr. GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I want to thank Chairman Bereuter of the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee and the ranking minority member, Mr. Berman, for bringing about this important hearing. During the last few weeks, Sri Lanka's ethnic warfare has reached alarming new heights. Both sides of the conflict have suffered thousands of new casualties as the government overran the rebel stronghold on the Jaffna Peninsula and terrorist suicide bombers attacked targets in the capital city of Colombo. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced and humanitarian assistance is desperately needed. On November 3, the spokesman for the Secretary General of the United Nations released a statement that called on all concerned to facilitate relief assistance to the effected population by humanitarian organizations. Outside observers should be allowed in to monitor and assist in relief work. Hundreds of thousands of displaced innocent civilians stand little chance of surviving the monsoon rains without adequate food and shelter. Besides these basic elemental needs, those who are suffering most must have hope. But, hope is difficult to have as the current military situation continues to change on a daily basis. Renewing peaceful political negotiations under such circumstances appears unlikely. Accordingly, Mr. Chairman, I look forward to hearing from our expert witnesses today, to learn about what our nation can do in both the short term to end the suffering, and in the long term to try to bring peace to the Sri Lankan people. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Manzullo. I am pleased to recognize the distinguished minority member of the subcommittee, whom I understand was at the White House, and who was understandably late. You are recognized for any opening statement you might have, Mr. Berman. Mr. BERMAN. I wish my reason for being late were as compelling as having been at the White House, but no. I will probably be getting there later. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for conducting this hearing. There is perhaps no more troubling conflict than the 12-year-old civil war in Sri Lanka. Far from the flashing lights of CNN, at least 60,000 people have been killed during the war between the Hindu Tamil Tigers and the majority Buddhists. The recent offensive against the Tamil Tigers' stronghold of Jaffna may bring a final resolution to the war. Although the Sri Lankan army is reportedly within striking distance of the town's center, this conflict has repeatedly demonstrated the staying power of the Tamil Tigers, despite the numerically superior numbers of the government troops. I have been impressed by President Kumaratunga's efforts to bring a negotiated resolution to the civil war. She has said, and I quote, "The Tamil people are crying out for a just solution to their problems, and the only way to do that is to find a political solu tion." At the same time, while her efforts are undoubtedly sincere, the Tamils do have legitimate grievances. Unfortunately, the Tamil political leaders who would negotiate with the government have, in the past, been caught between the LTTE on the one hand and the government, on the other. I would hope that both sides recognize the truth of the President's statement, and accept her offer to negotiate. But, the LTTE has not yet shown that it is prepared for a political settlement. I look forward to today's testimony in providing further clarification of this important but long neglected issue. Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you, Mr. Berman. Ambassador Lanpher, we look forward to your testimony. Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Chairman, may I have permission also to include a statement by our colleague, Mr. Faleomavaega in the record? [The prepared statement of Mr. Faleomavaega appears in the appendix.] Mr. BEREUTER. Without objection, Mr. Faleomavaega's statement will be made a part of the record. We may have some votes today. We would appreciate it if you could summarize your written statement in about 5 or 6 minutes, if possible. Your entire statement, along with all witnesses' statements, will be made a part of the record in their entirety. Ambassador, thank you very much for your attendance today. We look forward to your testimony. You may proceed. STATEMENT OF MR. E. GIBSON LANPHER, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SOUTH ASIA, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Mr. LANPHER. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and my greetings to the other members of the committee. I am pleased to be here today to testify on recent developments in and U.S. policy toward Sri Lanka. The U.S.' primary interest in Sri Lanka are promoting a peaceful resolution of Sri Lanka's longstanding ethnic conflict, strengthening the human rights situation and expanding the commercial ties between our two countries. Sri Lanka has been a functioning democracy since its independence in 1948. However, the democratic process has been tested considerably by the ongoing conflict waged by the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, otherwise known as the LTTE, for the last 12 years. In response to continuing LTTE attacks, the Sri Lankan Government launched a limited military offensive in July, and a much longer offensive in October. Over the last few weeks, the Sri Lankan security forces have moved slowly from a northern military base to the outskirts of Jaffna City. The LTTE recently ordered the evacuation of civilians of Jaffna to a town under LTTE control about ten miles east of Jaffna City. As many as 300,000 persons may have been displaced by the recent fighting. Mr. Chairman, during free and fair elections last year, Sri Lankan President Kumaratunga successfully campaigned on a peace platform. Her government made sincere efforts to negotiate a lasting political settlement with the LTTE, through four rounds of talks. In January, the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE announced a cessation of hostilities. Regrettably, the LTTE unilaterally resumed fighting in April. In August, the Sri Lankan Government announced wide-ranging constitutional proposals to shift power from the Central Government to eight newly constituted regional councils. The devolution package is the most forward-leaning government proposal to date to address the underlying political issues of the longstanding conflict. It is a bold step, which the United States has praised and one that we believe is an excellent starting point for consideration by all parties. The LTTE failed to engage in a dialog with the government on this proposal, and subsequent LTTE attacks made it clear that the insurgent group has not abandoned its core demand for the establishment of a separate State in northeast Sri Lanka. The LTTE is not the sole representative of the Tamil people, however, and representatives of mainstream Tamil and Muslim parties continue to support a process of negotiation and devolution. We believe the government's August proposal constitutes a solid basis for a constructive dialog for finding a peaceful solution. Mr. Chairman, the United States supports a political resolution of Sri Lanka's longstanding ethnic conflict that is one, long lasting and comprehensive, two, protects the rights of all Sri Lankans, and three, preserves the unity of Sri Lanka. Consistent with that policy, we supported the Sri Lankan Government's efforts to negotiate a political settlement. In February, Secretary Christopher publicly congratulated the Sri Lankan Government for achieving a cessation of hostilities. In April, we deplored the LTTE's resumption of hostilities, and urged the LTTE to return to the negotiating table. In August, we welcomed the government's political package. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased that the House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 181 on Sri Lanka, that similarly supports a political resolution of the longstanding ethnic conflict. I also want to stress that during the course of the Sri Lankan Government offensives, we have urged the government and LTTE to take all appropriate steps to protect civilians. We also condemned the recent LTTE massacres of over 128 innocent civilians, including children, in eastern Sri Lanka. Let me emphasize that the United States supports the efforts of relief agencies. We have urged the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE to cooperate fully with relief agencies who are assisting persons displaced by the current fighting. We understand that the government's first shipments of relief supplies have reached the displaced persons, and we continue to monitor the situation closely. The United States provides assistance to Tamil refugees through contributions to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Cross' South Asia Regional Program. This year, we provided $9 million U.S. dollars to UNHCR and $9.9 million to the ICRC. We also answered UNHCR's special appeals for Sri Lanka this year and last year, contributing an additional $500,000 both times. Neither the UNHCR nor ICRC has issued a special appeal in response to the recent population movements in Sri Lanka. We will give serious consideration to any new request they may make. |