
By Colombo Telegraph –

Re the U.S., the intelligent, articulate Moragoda is a perfect fit. Born in Washington, D.C, he is a dual national Amcit, married to an American, with plenty of Washington connections,
“More recently, Minister Moragoda made a startling proposal to U.S. officials. In discussions in Washington, Moragoda stated that the GSL was interested in forming some sort of group that would counter the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) block of countries.” the US Embassy Colombo informed Washington.
The Colombo Telegraph found the related leaked cable from the WikiLeak database. The cable classified as “CONFIDENTIAL” analyses the Sri Lanka’s pro – US foreign policy under Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The cable was written on May 29, 2003 by the US Ambassador to Colombo E. Ashley Wills.
Ambassador Wills wrote “Moragoda was a bit vague about his idea. He indicated, however, that the GSL — although a charter member of the group since its formation decades ago — felt that the NAM was too strident and too anti-U.S., and that greater practicality was now called for. The way forward is still being worked on, but once the idea is fleshed out further, the current thinking is that PM Wickremesinghe might announce some sort of formal proposal re a new grouping at the UN General Assembly this September.”
“Re the U.S., the intelligent, articulate Moragoda is a perfect fit. Born in Washington, D.C, he is a dual national Amcit (please protect) married to an American, with plenty of Washington connections, many from his days as a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation and at Harvard. A “big picture” person, Moragoda is also highly aware that the U.S. is the most powerful country in the world, and he feels that it is better that Sri Lanka recognize that fact and work within it.” Wills further wrote.
Below we give the relevant part of the confidential cable;
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 COLOMBO 000909 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SA, SA/INS, S/P, IO, INR/NESA; NSC FOR E. MILLARD LONDON FOR POL/RIEDEL E.O. 12958: DECL: 05-29-13 TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR CE UN SUBJECT: Sri Lanka's foreign policy: Prime Minister tilts toward U.S., but faces resistance Refs: Colombo 873, and previous (U) Classified by Ambassador E. Ashley Wills. Reasons: 1.5 (b,d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Since coming to power, PM Wickremesinghe has taken steps to steer Sri Lankan foreign policy closer to the U.S. In doing this, he has had successes, including the signing of an ICC waiver with the U.S. and in regard to Iraq where the GSL steered a constructive course. Moreover, one of his key ministers recently proposed that the GSL take the lead in forming some sort of counterweight to NAM. That said, the PM's initiative has faced stiff resistance from MFA bureaucrats. In addition, the president and Opposition, backed by much of the press and the intelligentsia, have cut into his room for maneuver via their generally anti-U.S. biases. ...............Moragoda's direct focus has been on cultivating relations with the U.S. and with India. Re the U.S., the intelligent, articulate Moragoda is a perfect fit. Born in Washington, D.C, he is a dual national Amcit (please protect) married to an American, with plenty of Washington connections, many from his days as a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation and at Harvard. A "big picture" person, Moragoda is also highly aware that the U.S. is the most powerful country in the world, and he feels that it is better that Sri Lanka recognize that fact and work within it. ¶5. (C) (((Note: Of late, the duo of Peiris and Moragoda have been joined by a new pro-U.S. player: In just several months on the job, Ambassador Devinda Subasinghe, a U.S.-educated financier and close friend of the PM, has already made a mark in Washington.))) ¶7. (C) More recently, Minister Moragoda made a startling proposal to U.S. officials. In discussions in Washington, Moragoda stated that the GSL was interested in forming some sort of group that would counter the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) block of countries. Moragoda was a bit vague about his idea. He indicated, however, that the GSL -- although a charter member of the group since its formation decades ago -- felt that the NAM was too strident and too anti-U.S., and that greater practicality was now called for. The way forward is still being worked on, but once the idea is fleshed out further, the current thinking is that PM Wickremesinghe might announce some sort of formal proposal re a new grouping at the UN General Assembly this September. WILLS
MJR / December 11, 2011
This man Moragoda is a real crock, he is wearing Indian suits and pretending like a native asin man,but reading these cables I got a better understanding about this man. Thank you Colombo Telegraph and WikiLeaks for this revelations.
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Samare / December 11, 2011
and even using Indian Ambassador cars,hehehe, ya ya a Rajapaksa style but educated cultured rascal. ;)
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Ole patron of Left Bank / December 11, 2011
Isn’t he good to be the next Prez with all those connections?
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Lakshan / December 12, 2011
edge of insanity. Comp this with how late Dudley turned down a request to join SEATO despite benefits accruing to Ceylon,as he did not want to compromise sovereignty
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Tania P. / December 12, 2011
Wonder why Mahinda took him in with open arms then?
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