
By Colombo Telegraph –
“Although he trusts them both, our contacts say the President has more respect for Gothabaya than for Basil.” US Embassy Colombo informed Washington.
The Colombo Telegraph found the related leaked cable from the WikiLeak database. The cable is classified as “CONFIDENTIAL” details the Presidend Rajapaksa’s decision making process. The cable was written on May 15, 2007 by the US Ambassador to Colombo Robert O. Blake.
Under the subheading ambassador Blake wrote “President Rajapaksa relies on his brothers, Defense Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa and Senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapaksa, for advice on security matters and political affairs respectively. Although he trusts them both, our contacts say the President has more respect for Gothabaya than for Basil. An embassy contact told Pol Off that the President is insecure in his job because he knows that Sri Lanka, as a “semi-feudal” society, still has great respect for aristocracy. He fears that because he is not from an elite family, but rather from a village in the deep south, support for him within the SLFP is a thin veneer that will last only as long as he is in power. This perception of disloyalty within the SLFP has caused him to rely even more heavily on his brothers for support and advice. Many Embassy contacts from both the ruling and opposition parties have expressed frustration with the level of influence Basil and Gothabaya have on policy.”
“According to Embassy contacts, the President, who holds the portfolio of Defense Minister, makes all defense and security decisions in consultation with Gothabaya. One Embassy contact told Pol FSN that the President “would not change even a roadside checkpoint” without first consulting Gothabaya. Gothabaya has nearly full autonomy on military decisions. He and Army Commander Fonseka have a close relationship and work well together; Fonseka was one of Gothabaya’s commanding officers when he was in the Army. The other military commanders follow Gothabaya’s instructions faithfully for fear of being replaced. Key presidential decisions that reflect Gothabaya’s influence include appointing Sarath Fonseka as Army Commander, closing the A-9 highway to Jaffna, and appointing Victor Perera as the Inspector General of Police.” the ambassador further wrote.
Related news;
WikiLeaks: Rajapaksa Trio Powerful, But Increasingly Isolated
WikiLeaks: Discord between the brothers -half to Basil, half to Gota
WikiLeaks: Basil is corrupt, limited educated and expelled from school
Below we give the relevant part of the cable;
VZCZCXRO5144 OO RUEHBI RUEHLMC DE RUEHLM #0698/01 1350532 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 150532Z MAY 07 FM AMEMBASSY COLOMBO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6029 INFO RUEHRL/AMEMBASSY BERLIN PRIORITY 0380 RUEHKA/AMEMBASSY DHAKA PRIORITY 0087 RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD PRIORITY 7068 RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU PRIORITY 5157 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 3729 RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI PRIORITY 0943 RUEHNY/AMEMBASSY OSLO PRIORITY 3800 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO PRIORITY 2880 RUEHCG/AMCONSUL CHENNAI PRIORITY 7654 RUEHBI/AMCONSUL MUMBAI PRIORITY 5335 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 2019 RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITY RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY RUEHLMC/MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION PRIORITY C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 COLOMBO 000698 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/INS MCC FOR D NASSIRY AND E BURKE E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/12/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CESUBJECT: PRESIDENT RELIES ON BROTHERS FOR POLICY ADVICE AND POLITICAL COVER Brothers Offer Advice on Security and Politics --------------------------------------------- -- ¶2. (C) President Rajapaksa relies on his brothers, Defense Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa and Senior Advisor to the SIPDIS President Basil Rajapaksa, for advice on security matters and political affairs respectively. Although he trusts them both, our contacts say the President has more respect for Gothabaya than for Basil. An embassy contact told Pol Off that the President is insecure in his job because he knows that Sri Lanka, as a "semi-feudal" society, still has great respect for aristocracy. He fears that because he is not from an elite family, but rather from a village in the deep south, support for him within the SLFP is a thin veneer that will last only as long as he is in power. This perception of disloyalty within the SLFP has caused him to rely even more heavily on his brothers for support and advice. Many Embassy contacts from both the ruling and opposition parties have expressed frustration with the level of influence Basil and Gothabaya have on policy. ¶4. (C) According to Embassy contacts, the President, who holds the portfolio of Defense Minister, makes all defense and security decisions in consultation with Gothabaya. One Embassy contact told Pol FSN that the President "would not change even a roadside checkpoint" without first consulting Gothabaya. Gothabaya has nearly full autonomy on military COLOMBO 00000698 002 OF 004 decisions. He and Army Commander Fonseka have a close relationship and work well together; Fonseka was one of Gothabaya's commanding officers when he was in the Army. The other military commanders follow Gothabaya's instructions faithfully for fear of being replaced. Key presidential decisions that reflect Gothabaya's influence include appointing Sarath Fonseka as Army Commander, closing the A-9 highway to Jaffna, and appointing Victor Perera as the Inspector General of Police.
Tamali kariyawasm. / January 17, 2012
It looks current family conflict goes to 2007 at least.
/
Nirupama / January 17, 2012
its like now King Kashyapa and Mugalang. but with public money.
/
gajan99 / January 17, 2012
All lies. No family conflicts in Rajapakse family.
/
CBK / January 17, 2012
we don’t care, Rajapaksas are uneducated uncultured rascals anyway. ;)
/
KP / January 17, 2012
exactly. not even O/L qualified. ” ata pass” rascals.
/
Banda / January 17, 2012
What’s wrong with these dirty Americans ? Why do they spy on our leaders like this ?
Shame on the hooligans go & give them information or what ever they want for money.
For you American bastards; Yes! our Best leaders namely Sirima/Premadasa/Mahinda are considered uneducated & the worst JR/Chandrika considered educated ; so what ?
/
simpson / January 17, 2012
Banda, Gota and Basil are American citizens as well. So Blake has a duty re them. You have to understand it. war crimes investigation coming as well ,
/
Banda / January 17, 2012
So Simpson; American democracy is spy on all it’s citizens ?
/
moda banda / January 18, 2012
Thannk you Simpson Remind these idiots their curupted leaders also Americans.these f… do not know about any politics or any thing .They only know what theire leaders put in to their heads about west.Do these idiots know China is tousand times harmfull to Sri Lanka than west.no not like As long as basil make 10% from china
/
simpson / January 17, 2012
Banda, do you know what Jaliya Wickramasooriya, SL ambassador Washington report to Sri Lanka
/
Banda / January 17, 2012
Yes; Jaliya W reports everything about Obama; his wife; his daughters; his families; his cast etc. etc. get a life Mr. Simpson please…
You don’t get it do you?; what these bastard Americans want to do is to spy on Rajapakse family ; create a rift & topple the Government. They did it many other places. You can kiss their back but not us; who love our country!
/
lankaley / January 17, 2012
Do you know it idiot simpson.? Thanks for chosing the name.
/
sena / January 17, 2012
Exactly! Americans now realized the fact that they can topple our gov only by Libya- like movement. They love to exploit any political rift to drive the interbred-rascals like Simpson here crazy. In the same principle, the US tried to exploit the growing rift between Gota and SF, once two good friends. We don’t now see the war crime charges against SF that frequently appeared during the war. This is exactly the same old game the US (CIA) played on other countries toppling governments.
/
Fonseka / January 17, 2012
So, CIA asked Mahinda to respect Gota than Basil? :) :) :) :) So CIA put Fonseka in Jail. hehehehehe
/
Shiranthi / January 17, 2012
CIA asked Rajapakse family to loot public funds…..
/
Shiranthi / January 17, 2012
looks like you are living in Amerixa toooo…………..lol
/
Kamalika Rathnayaka / January 17, 2012
Exactly Shiranthi!
/
moda banda / January 18, 2012
you wanna come to America i will get you a Visa
/
perera / January 17, 2012
NGO, VICKI LEAKS, RED CROSS, what ever name they have, behind the name is the same intention to create a conflict between the brothers and topple the government. Entire world can be against this United country. No one can touch it. Keep the hands away from us. We do not need you. We do not need your advise or help. Thank you.
/
Silva / January 17, 2012
Linde inna gembek vage wenna epa Perera
/
manuri-toronto / January 17, 2012
you are the one inside the well not him….sorry
/
manuri-toronto / January 17, 2012
good one…..love it
/
Shiranthi / January 17, 2012
Perera, If you don’t any of them near you where can GOSL borrow money to run the country? FROM YOU……….
/
Friend / January 17, 2012
Dear Shiranthi by reading many of your responses; one can only understand you are not only living in an “American dream”; but sadly mistaken state of mentality. Please read more carefully & think twice before you comment on sensitive issues on your selfish “singhalesh”
(?) way or rather stay away.
/
Shiranthi / January 18, 2012
Dear (Banda) Friend,
Typical Banda = Rajapassa talk (threatning)
If I didn’t stay away are you gonna send a white van after me?
/
manuri-toronto / January 17, 2012
well US Embassy has got that right….anyway..it is not only president…..we all have that respect for Gota…the man who made it all possible…..it is only the ‘tall trees get the most wind”…keep it up….
/
Shiranthi / January 17, 2012
Who calls Gota a tall tree…….he’s a “kanatu gaha”
/
Junta / January 17, 2012
“Key presidential decisions that reflect Gothabaya’s influence include appointing Sarath Fonseka as Army Commander,”
a kind of interesting…
“Sri Lanka, as a “semi-feudal” society, still has great
respect for aristocracy. “
Not anymore!
“He fears that because he is not
from an elite family, but rather from a village in the deep
south, support for him within the SLFP is a thin”
Its all solid as a rock!
Long live the RRRRRRRRRRRR’s
its about time someone pee on Blake for wasting time and money
/
Junta / January 17, 2012
“Linde inna gembek vage wenna epa”
pukeye inna panuwek said so…sorry
/
Punta / January 17, 2012
Junta, oya imbala baluwada?
/
Junta / January 17, 2012
“It looks current family conflict goes to 2007 at least.”
conflict! what conflict??!!
/
Gamini Lindagedera / January 17, 2012
This is a carefully planned strategy by Anti-Sri Lankan Fronts, well supported by Non-Patriotic groups within the country. Mark my words. I only hope their plans would fail.
/
yakandawela - Nuwaraeliya / January 17, 2012
What was planed?
/
Banda / January 17, 2012
Americans know very well that while whole western world suffering from economic melt down & American economy going down the drain under well educated first black president; in Sri lanka so called uneducated & village man not from elite family in their point of view manage excellent economy to the capacity without bowing to their interferences. They want to destabilize the country & bring someone who dance to their tune to power. They spy; spy & spy every possible link including how Rajapakses are washing their backs after using toilet. Ranil doesn’t go even his party fells all times low; hoping Americans; not the voters will do something for him as he is their man same as his uncle; who is so called well educated & ruined our country. They provide all the information to discredit Rajapakses.
But what they don’t know is those uneducated southern villagers have more brains than they all combined & majority; if not over 75% people of Sri lanka are with them & love them !
/
Vidura / January 17, 2012
Real Banda mindset ;) :)
/
lankaley / January 17, 2012
Is there any problem with that VIDURA? Some so sick and pathotic idiotic people like you does not like it!
Start learning to pay for what you gain from the Nation idiot! At least to the free education you got from it.
Americans never gave us any thing unless there is something for them.
/
lankaley / January 17, 2012
Well said!!
/
sena / January 17, 2012
Well said. The size of whitephilic rascals who betray anything for few dollars are still too small to drive “american dreams” in our soil, thanks to uneducated villagers. Otherwise, we would have been a colony of LTTE backed by USA, doing slavery.
/
Shiranthi / January 17, 2012
For Sinhala people “American dream” in American soil is good BUT they don’t like Singhalese people liiving Sri lankan soil to dream like them……what a slefish character
/
lankaley / January 17, 2012
US is trying to create profile for MR
/
raymond / January 17, 2012
A marked similarity to the caricature “Thompson and Tompson” !!
/
Kumari / January 17, 2012
it’s getting interesting. I wonder what else American Embassy wrote to Washington. Wow the embassy has become a gossip factory. I used to think Americans never talk about others on their back, let’s wait and see how low they will go against MR government.
/
Chandra Goonewardene / January 18, 2012
whatever the conflicts may be within the party, they will not go very far because the ‘brothers’ know that if one falls, all will!
/
junta / January 18, 2012
The Unit! Viva MRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR……………………!
Viva Sri Lanka!
/
udarata Banda / January 18, 2012
I am sure ,If American embassy issuing free Visa for thousand people in Sri Lanka to go and live in USA.These American heaters are the first to be in line.Ha ha ha.Thats how petritic they are
/
Pingback: This Week in the Press: 12 – 18 January, 2012 / January 29, 2012
/
The last dinasaur / March 22, 2012
First the brothers massacred the tamil civilians..
Just now they have not started to kill their SLFP politicians
(Eg – Bartaha Lakshaman).
After some times they would start to kill each other…
Each leader is driven by the thirst for power..
/
The last dinasaur / March 22, 2012
Correction – Please delete the not in second sentence.
Sorry for the inconvenience caused
/
Back from US / March 22, 2012
Udarata Banda,
Don’t generalize. Some people return to Sri Lanka after touring from West Coast to East Coast by land. They don’t stay even if they can. Contrary to what you may believe, there is a lot of racism in the US. I have first hand experience.
/
Uuvvpp / April 19, 2012
Theory of Evolution is exactly correct when you look at these two MONKIES. If this is what people look like deffinitely their decendents of MONKIES(APES)
/