[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    OUR SOUTH ASIAN ALLY, SRI LANKA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2006

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, in my time in Congress, I 
have had the opportunity to visit our South Asian ally, Sri Lanka. This 
small island nation has directly suffered both the devastating effects 
of the 2004 tsunami and the continuing threat of homegrown terrorism, 
which has experienced a recent resurgence.
  Many years before the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Sri Lanka 
was confronting the grim specter of suicide terrorism. In fact, many of 
the suicide tactics utilized by terrorists in the Middle East 
originated with the Tamils. Because of this and because of their ties 
with other international terrorist groups, the Tamils pose a threat to 
Americans around the globe as well.
  Despite the fact that a cease-fire remains in effect, over the past 
year, the Liberation Tigers of Tam Eelam (LITTE) have continued to 
commit acts of violence against the legitimate Government of Sri Lanka. 
The recent spate of violence began in August of last year with the 
assassination of Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar. In 
a further attempt to damage the democratic process, the LITTE prevented 
the Tamil population in the Wanni region from voting in the 
Presidential election last November. Since the Inauguration of 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the LTTE has stepped up attacks on unarmed 
civilians including the use of fragmentation bombs against a bus 
killing 64 and injuring 80. Additionally, they have carried out 
assassinations of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and the Deputy 
Chief of Staff of the Army and attacked a convoy of off-duty sailors, 
killing 94 and injuring many more. In all of these cases, the attacks 
were carried out by suicide bombers.
  The LTTE has cultivated a worldwide network of weapons suppliers. 
Here in the United States, the FBI was able to apprehend Tamil agents 
who attempted to purchase surface-to-air missiles in New York and 
Maryland. Tamil agents have been arrested here for attempting to bribe 
customs agents and funnel illicit funds through charities. While the 
Tamils continue their attempts to operate in the United States, Federal 
authorities are vigorously investigating and prosecuting those who are 
recruiting support for terrorism in Sri Lanka.
  The Sri Lankan Government gives every indication that it is committed 
to a peaceful settlement to this conflict within their nation's 
borders. Even after an attempt on the life of Defense Secretary 
Rajapakse, the President's brother, the government refuses to institute 
an outright ban on the Tamil Tigers. Norwegian peace negotiators, who 
had presided over the current cease-fire agreements, continue their 
efforts to bring the LTTE to the peace table but, unfortunately, Tiger 
leader Prabhakaran has called for a full resumption of hostilities. The 
government is ready to except the Tigers as a peaceful political party 
but not as a purveyor of violence.
  Sri Lanka is a beautiful nation filled with hopeful people who wish 
to live in peace, and I am hopeful that they will soon see a resolution 
to these dangerous difficulties.

                          ____________________