From: <a href="http://www.aftenposten.no/spesial/wikileaksdokumenter/article3963361.ece">Aftenposten</a><br>
Date: 21.10.2009

<pre>
S E C R E T COLOMBO 000968
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENTS FOR ISN/CATR. EAP/K AND SCA/INS
E.O. 12958:
DECL: 10/08/2019 
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, PREF, PHUM, PTER, EAID, MOPS, CE 
SUBJECT: SRI LANKA DENIES NEGOTIATIONS TO PROCURE LETHAL 
MILITARY EQUIPMENT FROM IRAN
REF:
A. SECSTATE 46946 
B. COLOMBO 710
Classified By: AMBASSADOR PATRICIA A. BUTENIS. REASONS: 1.4 (B, D)

1. (S)
In a much-delayed response to our Ref A demarche on possible
Sri Lankan procurement of lethal military equipment from North
Korea and Iran, Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
Director General (DG) Americas Division Kshenuka Senewiratne
on October 16 said they appreciated U.S. concerns and stated
that the GSL seriously considered the information. According
to Senewiratne, there was no evidence backing the information
we earlier provided in our demarche. According to the DG, to
stop speculation regarding possible procurements of arms and
ammunition from Iran, the GSL conducted internal
investigations and had found no records that supported the
allegations. DG stressed that the GSL abided by the UN
Security Council resolutions and ensured that all guidelines
were met. DG reiterated that post war, the GSL did not
envisage a need for additional military hardware and hinted
that the U.S. was receiving such information from sources that
sought to sour U.S.-Sri Lanka relations. DG made no comments
on procurements or negotiations of lethal military equipment
from North Korea.

2. (S)
Comment: Notwithstanding the DG,s vehement denial of GSL
procurements and negotiations from Iran, the GSL,s recent
interactions with Iranian military officials raise questions.
At an October 6th meeting with SL,s Army Commander, the
Iranian Defense Attach Brigadier Asghary Nekah discussed an
upcoming military delegation led by Iranian Army Brigadier
Mahnoud Amini Ranjabar that suggested future strengthening of
the Iranian-Sri Lanka military relationship. In a meeting with
PolOff, the Japanese Defense Advisor discussed his deep
concerns of possible talks of purchases and negotiations of
arms and nuclear technology during the upcoming Iranian visit.

BUTENIS 
</pre>