The local NGO's director is always a member of TRO, as are many other members of the local NGO staff. For example, XXXXXXXXXXXX receives money in its bank account from its headquarters or from international donors, then deposits the money into a separate bank account operated by a local NGO. (S) XXXXXXXXXXXX told us the LTTE had ordered INGOs to provide all project funding through local NGOs, which are managed collectively by the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO). The Tigers may threaten families living in the Vanni or elsewhere in Sri Lanka if their children do not return from jobs abroad, such as in the Persian Gulf, to take up arms.Ħ. Some families are reportedly being told to provide two recruits as the LTTE prepares for war. (C) We have received other credible reports of even more draconian conscription methods used by the Tigers. XXXXXXXXXXXX said XXXXXXXXXXXX told XXXXXXXXXXXX that "all countries are entitled to institute the draft to protect their borders."ĥ. (S) XXXXXXXXXXXX accused the SLMM of turning a blind eye to LTTE forced conscription of Tamil citizens living in the Vanni.
He confirmed, however, XXXXXXXXXXXX allegation of forced conscription of those 17 years old and older, stating that if a person failed to leave the Vanni before he or she turned 17, there was an extremely high likelihood of being drafted by the Tigers.Ĥ. (C) XXXXXXXXXXXX noted that the average age of LTTE "recruits" is now 17 years old. If they fail to report, they are taken forcibly, often at night.ģ. XXXXXXXXXXXX stated that the LTTE provides written notice to draftees with orders to report to a particular military office for service. XXXXXXXXXXXX stated that the Tigers require at least one person between the ages of 18 and 35 per family to fight for the LTTE, apparently believing that if the "draftees" are at least 18 years old, the international community cannot criticize the Tigers for requiring military service. XXXXXXXXXXXX described the LTTE's "one person per family" forced conscription program. (C) On May 21, PolOff met XXXXXXXXXXXX private organization that provides assistance to refugees. On June 8, after meetings with representatives from UNICEF, UNHCR and the World Food Program to discuss how these organizations fund projects operating in the Vanni, Emboffs confirmed that in some circumstances INGOs are required to work with TRO to accomplish their project goals. XXXXXXXXXXXX also criticized the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission's (SLMM) complacency in the face of coercive techniques the LTTE employs to maintain control of its northern stronghold. (S) SUMMARY: In late May PolOff met the XXXXXXXXXXXX described the LTTE's complete control of all activities that take place in Tiger-controlled territory, including forced conscription and the use of the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) to extract money from INGOs. SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: TAMIL TIGERS SIPHON OFF PART OFĬlassified By: Ambassador Robert O. S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 COLOMBO 000830