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Copyright © Social Indicator March April 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
INTRODUCTION
O
BJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is two-fold. One, is to develop a n
confidence in the peace process using a set of standardize
with each wave. The other is to use a set of questions re
political developments in order to gauge public opinion on
will change from one wave to another.
Such information, collected over a period of time, will pro
useful barometer of the Sri Lankan polity’s opinions, and
making.
SCOPE & METHODOLOGY
The survey is carried out using a structured questionna
interviews amongst a randomly selected sample of 1600
administrative districts, excluding the North due to the sec
Data is weighted to reflect the actual ethnographic composit
was surveyed.
This is the twenty seventh wave of the PCI study, which w
publication presents only the top-line results of the March 20
The results of these twenty seven waves offer us data for a
opinion on key issues, ranging from perceptions on w
developments. The results, with the exception of those that
to a 3% margin of error.
** This particular wave of the PCI only covers the Sinhala, T
the areas outside the Northern province. The Tamil sam
Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Colombo were surveyed using a no
all findings that reference the Tamils cannot be generalized to th

Index
INTRODUCTION
ld. One, is to develop a numerical indicator of the level of public
sing a set of standardized questions, which remain unchanged
use a set of questions related to recent social, economic and
gauge public opinion on peace and conflict, which by definition
her.
period of time, will provide civil society and policy makers a
n polity’s opinions, and enable their incorporation into policy
a structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face
selected sample of 1600. This survey was conducted in 20
he North due to the security situation prevailing in that region.
al ethnographic composition of the districts in which the sample
f the PCI study, which was first conducted in May 2001. This
ne results of the March 2008 survey.
waves offer us data for a comparative study on changing public
from perceptions on war and peace to current political
exception of those that refer the Tamil community, are subject
only covers the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Up Country Tamils in
province. The Tamil sample, drawn from the cities of Ampara,
were surveyed using a non-random sampling technique. Therefore,
cannot be generalized to the entire community.
pril 2008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-Line Results
F
INDINGS AT A GLANCE OF THE POLL CONDUCTED FR
The following are the significant trends observed in the PCI Marc
the PCI only covers the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Up Country T
province. The Tamil sample, drawn from the cities of Ampara, Tri
surveyed using a non-random sampling technique. Therefore, all find
generalized to the entire community. (See Annex)
National Issues ( Page 9)
• When asked to rate five national issues by virtue of the (28.11%), Up Country Tamil (27.36%) and Muslim (33.51 The peace process, however, is the most important issu The latter is also considered as the number one issue community, 19.82% of the Sinhalese and 29.2% of the M North and East also ranks highly for 22.7% of the Sinhale The results show that, in general, while there has been economy as an important issue, this weight has been tran
Solutions to the conflict ( Pages 10-15)
• Ending the conflict: For a clear majority of the Tamil communities, the way to end the conflict and attain pea have political negotiations. As for the Muslim communit and the commencement of political negotiations. Th majority support of 48.1% for the government’s defeat the idea of stopping the war and holding peace talks. Th support for peace talks from 25.7% to 16.6% since N government’s defeat of the LTTE remains constant.
• Importance of a political solution: Majorities in the communities state that a political solution is essential to shared by 31.6% of the Sinhala community and 30.1% o further 30% of the Sinhalese indicate that they feel that a 18.1% of the same say that a political solution is not req community do not know or are not sure of the necessi with results from November ’07, there is no great change Up Country Tamils who feel that a solution is ‘essential’ h
• Ideal time to hold talks: The ideal time for the holding o according to 49.5% of the Tamils and 52.3% of the
Muslim community. The Sinhala community is essentially choosing the former option while 33.2% prefer if peac 18.4% of this community feel that peace talks are not r not know or are not sure. This last sentiment is shared Muslims and 65.4% of the Up Country Tamil community.
• Proximity to a permanent solution: While 60.7% of the S reaching a permanent settlement to the conflict, major otherwise. The breakdown is as follows: Muslim- 62.7% 74.2%. Sinhala opinion that the country is ‘close’ to reach

Index
POLL CONDUCTED FROM
2008
observed in the PCI March 2008 survey. This particular wave of
uslim and Up Country Tamils in the areas outside the Northern
the cities of Ampara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Colombo were
chnique. Therefore, all findings that reference the Tamils cannot be
Annex)
al issues by virtue of their importance, majorities in the Sinhala 7.36%) and Muslim (33.51%) communities choose the economy. s the most important issue for 28.16 % of the Tamil community. as the number one issue by 25.22% of the Up Country Tamil alese and 29.2% of the Muslim community. The conflict in the y for 22.7% of the Sinhalese and 21.25% of the Tamil community. ral, while there has been a slight decrease in the ranking of the , this weight has been transferred to the issue of law and order.
r majority of the Tamil (83%), and Up Country Tamil (77.3%) the conflict and attain peace in Sri Lanka is to stop the war and for the Muslim community, 83.8% prefer for an end to the war political negotiations. The Sinhala community demonstrate a the government’s defeat of the LTTE while only 16.6% support d holding peace talks. The results show a decrease in the Sinhala 25.7% to 16.6% since November 2007, while support for the E remains constant.
lution: Majorities in the Tamil (69.8%) and Muslim (71.2%) ical solution is essential to the resolution of the conflict, a view community and 30.1% of the Up Country Tamil community. A dicate that they feel that a political solution would be useful, with olitical solution is not required. 43.7% of the Up Country Tamil e not sure of the necessity of a political solution. In comparison 7, there is no great change in opinion, although the percentage of at a solution is ‘essential’ has reduced by 10 percentage points.
eal time for the holding of talks is while the war is being waged ils and 52.3% of the
a community is essentially divided here with 26% hile 33.2% prefer if peace talks were to be held after the war. hat peace talks are not required while 22.4% state that they do is last sentiment is shared by 22.1% of the Tamils, 32.9% of the
ountry Tamil community.
ion: While 60.7% of the Sinhalese feel that the country is close to ent to the conflict, majorities in the other communities believe as follows: Muslim- 62.7%, Up Country Tamil- 62.5% and Tamil country is ‘close’ to reaching a permanent solution to the conflict
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5TH A
PRIL
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Peace Confidence Index Top-Line Results has risen by 12 percentage points. The opinion of the M permanent solution has dropped from 23.6% to 19.7%.
• Commitment to talks: 52.3% of the Sinhala community a that the government is committed to finding peace thro the Tamils, 44.5% of the Up Country Tamils and 39.6 When the same question is asked regarding the LTTE, m – 70.3%, Tamil – 42.3% and Muslim – 41.8%) state that peace through talks. Agreement regarding the LTTE’s the Tamils, 26.5% of the Up Country Tamils and 25.8% o
Capacity and Security (Pages 16-19)
• Military Capacity: While 70.1% of the Sinhalese and 32.8 weak militarily, 54.2% of the Tamil community and 34.4 stating that they feel that the LTTE’s capacity is strong. community agree with this, a majority of 45.6% state th When rating the military capacity of the government, ma 92.2%, Tamil- 54.2% and Muslim – 70.2%) feel that the the Up Country Tamil community agrees, the majority o are not sure. In comparison with the November ’07 re to feel that the LTTE are strong militarily, Sinhala and strength of the LTTE has decreased. In the case of the that the government is militarily strong has reduce community’s impression of the government’s strength ha
• Improvement in security situation: A majority of 62.9% security situation in the country has improved as do sentiment is shared by only 13.4% of the Tamil com (36.1%) feel that the situation has worsened. 24.1% of t that the situation has worsened while 53% of the sam community do not know or are not sure. These result reported in November ’07 with the exception of the Mu the security situation has improved has reduced by 11 pe
• Describing the conflict: While majorities in the Tamil ( communities describe the current situation as an eth (71.2%) and Muslim (40.2%) state that it is a war again Tamil community state that they do not know or are n Sinhala opinion that this is a ‘war against terrorism’ has while Muslim opinion that the situation is an ethnic c points since the November report.
The CFA (Pages 20-21)
• Abrogation of CFA: Questioned on the abrogation of of the Sinhalese stated that they approve of the abrogati the Up Country Tamils and 41.8% of the Muslims disa that the CFA should have been abrogated earlier.
• Increase in attacks on civilians: Asked if attacks on civilia 92.7% of the Tamils, 63.5% of the Up Country Tamils an that these attacks have increased. The same question Sinhalese where 31.6% agree with their minority counter know or are not sure.

Index
nts. The opinion of the Muslim community on the proximity to a d from 23.6% to 19.7%.
the Sinhala community and 40.4% of the Muslim community feel tted to finding peace through talks. At the same time, 72.9% of Country Tamils and 39.6% of the Muslim community disagree. ked regarding the LTTE, majorities in three communities (Sinhala uslim – 41.8%) state that the LTTE is not committed to finding nt regarding the LTTE’s commitment is expressed by 29.9% of untry Tamils and 25.8% of the Muslim community.
of the Sinhalese and 32.8% of the Muslims feel that the LTTE is amil community and 34.4% of the Muslim community disagree, TTE’s capacity is strong. While 26.4% of the Up Country Tamil ajority of 45.6% state that they do not know or are not sure. ity of the government, majorities in three communities (Sinhala – im – 70.2%) feel that the government is strong. While 26.1% of nity agrees, the majority of 45.1% state that they do not know or ith the November ’07 results, the Muslim community continues ng militarily, Sinhala and Up Country Tamil perception of the eased. In the case of the government, while Muslim agreement tarily strong has reduced slightly by six points, the Sinhala government’s strength has increased by 4 percentage points.
ion: A majority of 62.9% of the Sinhala community feel that the ry has improved as do 33.2% of the Muslim community. This 3.4% of the Tamil community where a significant proportion has worsened. 24.1% of the Up Country Tamil community agree d while 53% of the same community and 41% of the Muslim e not sure. These results do not show any variance from those the exception of the Muslim community where the opinion that ved has reduced by 11 percentage points.
majorities in the Tamil (56.7%) and Up Country Tamil (43.2%) rent situation as an ethnic conflict, the majority of Sinhalese tate that it is a war against terrorism. 40.4% of the Up Country ey do not know or are not sure how to describe the situation. ar against terrorism’ has risen from 62.8% in Nov ’07 to 71.2%., situation is an ethnic conflict has reduced by ten percentage ort.
ed on the abrogation of the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement, 38.9% y approve of the abrogation, while 88.5% of the Tamils, 52.5% of 1.8% of the Muslims disapprove . 21.3% of the Sinhalese stated
abrogated earlier.
Asked if attacks on civilians have increased since the abrogation, he Up Country Tamils and 65.6% of the Muslim community state ased. The same questions elicits a mixed response from the ith their minority counterparts, 38.8% disagree and 29.5% do not
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Peace Confidence Index Top-Line Results Cost of Living (Pages 22-24)
• Reasons for increase: When asked, from a given list increase in the cost of living the increase in the price of the world market, the war, and economic mismanage popular choices in all four communities. In the Sinhala the increase in world prices while a further 76% choose the Tamil, Muslim and Up Country Tamil community sample also cites the existence of a large cabinet as the r
• Willingness to bear high cost of living for war: While 61. to bear a high cost of living for the sake of the gover ethnic groups refuse to do so. 79.4% of the Tamils, 72.7 Country Tamils state that they will not shoulder the e joined in this opinion by 31.3% of the Sinhala community
• Willingness to bear cost of living for world prices: Whe heavy economic burden due to an increase in world m disagreement (Sinhala – 51.2%, Tamil-76.3%, Up Count 36% of the Sinhalese and 21% of the Muslims agreed, ho
International Involvement (Pages 25-30)
• Approval for international assistance: For the Sinhala receives approval when it comes to the war against th government development projects (70.6%). With regard Sinhala community stands
divided on their acceptance of international involve disapprove. As for the Muslim community, majorities app war (64.2%), peace talks (73%) and development wo Country Tamil communities disapprove of internation approving of such assistance with peace talks (Tamil- 8 projects (Tamil- 70.8%, UCT- 54.9%).
• Indian Involvement: The numbers shift somewhat when Lanka. Fair majorities amongst the Sinhalese welcome In peace talks (47.8%) and development projects (68.7% Country Tamil (43.7%) communities disapprove of Indi favour of Indian mediation in peace negotiations. In fact meets the approval of the Muslim community (70.6%) projects is also favored by the Muslim, Up Country Tamil
The Media (Pages 31-33)
• Is there censorship? : While a majority of the Tami government has strict censorship on media reportage, Sinhala community express a mixed opinion on the matt government allows free and fair reporting as do 26.2% o of the Sinhalese and 30.7% of the Muslims agree that the media reportage. The majority (68.3%) of the Up Coun not know or are not sure.
• Reasons for censorship: A majority of the Sinhalese (41. media censorship in order to safeguard national secu Country Tamil (36.7%) and Muslim community (36.4%) s wastage and other failures of the government. The ma cites a number of reasons, inclusive of the two describ morale and preventing reporting on corruption in arms p

Index
asked, from a given list of options to choose reasons for the e increase in the price of oil and other essential commodities in nd economic mismanagement by the present government are munities. In the Sinhala community for example, 72.7% choose ile a further 76% choose the war. This trend is reflected amongst untry Tamil community as well. 30% of the Sinhala population of a large cabinet as the reason for a high cost of living.
f living for war: While 61.3% of the Sinhala community are willing r the sake of the government’s war with the LTTE, the other 79.4% of the Tamils, 72.7% of the Muslims and 69.4% of the Up will not shoulder the economic burden of the war. They are of the Sinhala community.
ing for world prices: When asked if they were willing to bear a o an increase in world market prices, most individuals indicated , Tamil-76.3%, Up Country Tamil- 62.8% and Muslim – 70.2%). of the Muslims agreed, however.
istance: For the Sinhala community, international involvement es to the war against the LTTE (61.5%) and for assistance in ects (70.6%). With regards to any future peace negotiations, the
of international involvement. While 43.9% approve, 32.4% ommunity, majorities approve of International involvement in the ) and development work (82.3%). While the Tamil and Up disapprove of international involvement in the war, they are ith peace talks (Tamil- 80.2%, UCT- 49.2%) and development 4.9%).
ers shift somewhat when it comes to Indian involvement in Sri the Sinhalese welcome Indians involvement in the war (58.5%), lopment projects (68.7%). While the Tamil (74.2%) and Up unities disapprove of Indian Involvement in the war they are in eace negotiations. In fact, this approval of Indian mediation also slim community (70.6%). Indian involvement for development
uslim, Up Country Tamil and Tamil communities.
a majority of the Tamil community ( 58.3%) state that the hip on media reportage, both the Muslim community and the ixed opinion on the matter. 24.7% of the Sinhalese state that the r reporting as do 26.2% of the Muslims. At the same time 31.5% he Muslims agree that the government has certain restrictions on (68.3%) of the Up Country Tamil community state that they do
rity of the Sinhalese (41.7%) feel that the government exercises safeguard national security while most members of the Up slim community (36.4%) state that it is in order to hide the government. The majority of the Tamil community (37.8%) lusive of the two described above as well as upholding soldier g on corruption in arms procurements.
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Peace Confidence Index Top-Line Results
• An expression of democracy: 31.2% of the Sinhalese, 4 Muslims feel that media reports critical of the governm while 69% of the Up Country Tamil community state t The latter is also expressed by 35.3% of the Sinhalese Muslims.
The APRC and the Constitutional debate (Pages 34-39)
• Confidence in the APRC: Majorities across the board st Party Representative Committee (APRC). The break Muslim- 62.4%, Tamil- 42.3% and UCT- 43.2%. Of th APRC, only 2.9% of the Sinhala community, 2.7% of the U of the Muslim community feel very confident in the ability southern consensus. Most individuals in all four groups s sure.
• Level of inclusion: With regards to the level of inclusion 91.2% of the Tamils, 74.1% of the Up Country Tam dissatisfaction.
• JVP demands: When asked if they agree with the JVP d up the idea of peace talks until such time as the LTT (85.3%), Up Country Tamil (48.1%) and Muslim commu The Sinhala community stands essentially divided (Agree 49.9% stating that they do not know or are not sure.
• Inclusion of the TMVP: While 82.4% of the Tamil commu TMVP in the APRC, the other three communities do no Up Country Tamils, for example, 20.7% approve while state that they are not aware that the TMVP has b (Approve -39.5%, Disapprove- 32.6%) and the Sinhalese also reflect a mixed opinion.
• The 13th Amendment: Approval for the implementation for the Muslim community where 31.1% indicate approv Tamil community (41.2%) while most sections of the S (33.3%) state that they do not know or are not sure. I approval and disapproval levels are low.
• Interim council for the North: With regards to the esta for the North, a majority of 55.6% of the Sinhalese state At the same time, 55.6% of the Muslim community community disapproves. 40% of the Up Country Ta disapprove.
The Constitutional Council (Pages 40-42)
• Appointment of the Constitutional Council: When aske of the Constitutional Council, majorities across the boa not sure.
• Appointments to independent commissions: 29% of the not aware that the President had been making appointm 38.5% of the Tamils state that they disapprove of suc however, most persons neither approve nor disapp appointments.

Index
31.2% of the Sinhalese, 43.8% of the Tamils and 46.3% of the ts critical of the government are an expression of democracy, Tamil community state that they do not know or are not sure. y 35.3% of the Sinhalese, 34.4% of the Tamils and 31% of the
e (Pages 34-39)
rities across the board state that they are not aware of the All tee (APRC). The breakdown is as follows: Sinhala – 45.6%, and UCT- 43.2%. Of those who do express awareness of the community, 2.7% of the Up Country Tamil community and 7.0% ery confident in the ability of the APRC to bring about a iduals in all four groups state that they do not know or are not
s to the level of inclusion in the APRC, 43.7% of the Sinhalese, f the Up Country Tamils and 71.1% of the Muslims express
hey agree with the JVP demands to dissolve the APRC and give til such time as the LTTE is defeated, majorities in the Tamil 8.1%) and Muslim communities (82.6%) state that they disagree. essentially divided (Agree- 25%, Disagree- 25.1%) with a further know or are not sure.
2.4% of the Tamil community disapproves of the inclusion of the three communities do not take as decisive a stand. Amongst the le, 20.7% approve while 24.1% disapprove while a further 31% e that the TMVP has been included. The Muslim community 32.6%) and the Sinhalese (Approve- 26.5%, Disapprove – 22.1%)
al for the implementation of the 13th Amendment is low, except ere 31.1% indicate approval. Disapproval is highest amongst the le most sections of the Sinhala (39.3%) and Up Country Tamil know or are not sure. In these two communities as well, both are low.
With regards to the establishing of an interim provincial council .6% of the Sinhalese state that they do not know or are not sure. the Muslim community approve while 59.4% of the Tamil of the Up Country Tamil community neither approve nor
)
onal Council: When asked about the need for the appointment majorities across the board state that they do not know or are
commissions: 29% of the Muslim community state that they were ad been making appointments to independent commissions and t they disapprove of such moves by the President. Generally, her approve nor disapprove of the President making such
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Peace Confidence Index Top-Line Results
• The delay in the appointment: When asked who they appointment of the Constitutional Council, most say that breakdown is as follows: Sinhala- 80.6%, Tamil – 71.2%, U
Local government elections (Pages 43-45)
• Free and fair elections: When asked if the polls in the Sinhalese and 32.2% of the Muslims answer in the community disagree. As for the Up Country Tamil com know or are not sure. They are joined in this by 44. Sinhalese.
• PC elections: On the question of whether provincial cou 55.8% of the Sinhalese, 37.9% of the Tamils and 50.4% o 47.4% of the Tamil community say that these elections Up Country Tamil community state that they do not kno
• TMVP: With regards to the disarmament of the TMVP 67.1% of the Tamils agree that this should have taken p The Muslims stand divided with 43.8% agreeing with the not know or are not sure. As for the Up Country Tami know or are not sure.
The President (Pages 46-51)
• Satisfaction on the President’s performance: The Sinha satisfaction with the president’s handling social values (81 international relations (77.1%), the war (91.4%) and so President meets with dissatisfaction is on his managemen Sinhalese expressing dissatisfaction. They are joined in three communities (Tamil -88.7%, UCT- 72% and Musli aspects of the President’s administration, the Up Countr a steady sense of dissatisfaction, while the Muslim co satisfaction and dissatisfaction.
Kosovo (Page 52)
• Kosovo: When asked their opinion on Kosovo’s un majorities in the Sinhala (54%), Up Country Tamil (54 state that they do not know or are not sure. At th communities -Sinhala (22.9%), Tamil (24.7%), Up Cou state that they were not aware of the Unilateral Declara community are supportive of Kosovo’s declaration.
Transfer of CIABAC Director General (Page 53)
• With regards to the transfer of the Director of the Com Bribery and Corruption, opinion generally is split betw Sinhalese, 32% of the Tamils, 30.8% of the Up Country Tamils and 38.3% of the Muslims state that the Sinhalese, 56.6% of the Up Country Tamils and 32.9% of or are not sure. At the same time 36.1% of the Tamils sa
The A9 (Page 54)
• A9 opening: 89.5% of the Tamil community and 43% of opening of the A9, while 41.3% of the Sinhalese disap community state that they do not know or are not sure.

Index
: When asked who they feel is responsible for the delay in the nal Council, most say that they do not know or are not sure. The
- 80.6%, Tamil – 71.2%, UCT- 96.3%, Muslim- 85.6%.
5)
asked if the polls in the East were free and fair, 46.8% of the Muslims answer in the affirmative while 63.5% of the Tamil e Up Country Tamil community 68.1% state that they do not are joined in this by 44.6% of the Muslims and 40.3% of the
of whether provincial council elections in the east should be held, f the Tamils and 50.4% of the Muslims answer in the affirmative. say that these elections should not be held while 74.2% of the state that they do not know or are not sure.
isarmament of the TMVP, majorities of 57.6% of the Sinhalese, t this should have taken place prior to the elections in the east. h 43.8% agreeing with the above and 43.8% stating that they do for the Up Country Tamil community, 68% say that they do not
performance: The Sinhala community express a high level of handling social values (81%), management of own party (68.8%), the war (91.4%) and solving the conflict ( 73.5%). Where the tion is on his management of the cost of living, with 63.6% of the tion. They are joined in this by their counterparts in the other 7%, UCT- 72% and Muslim- 78.3%). With regards to the other nistration, the Up Country Tamil and Tamil communities express on, while the Muslim community’s opinions are split between
opinion on Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence, ), Up Country Tamil (54.6%) and Muslim (54.7%) communities or are not sure. At the same time, fair numbers in all four Tamil (24.7%), Up Country Tamil (32.2%) and Muslim (29%) of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence. 43% of the Tamil osovo’s declaration.
age 53)
f the Director of the Commission for Investigating Allegations of n generally is split between ignorance and doubt. 23% of the .8% of the Up the Muslims state that they were not aware, while 53.4% of the ntry Tamils and 32.9% of the Muslims say that they do not know
e 36.1% of the Tamils say that they disapprove of this move.
il community and 43% of the Muslim community approve of the % of the Sinhalese disapprove. 52% of the Up Country Tamil ot know or are not sure.
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Peace Confidence Index Top-Line Results NGOs (Pages 55-59)
• Satisfaction on NGO performance: Majorities in the Sinh (52.3%) communities are satisfied with the work done b In the case of the Tamil and Muslim communities, this se NGO preservation of social values (71.6% and 43.9 community express dissatisfaction. In the case of NGO majority of the Sinhala community (39%) express dissa 33.9% of the Up Country Tamils and 49.4% of the Muslim conflict resolution, 66.7% of the Tamils and 45.7% of the in this regard. 44.6% of the Sinhalese express dissatis majority of Up Country Tamils are unable to answer.
• Perceptions on NGOs: The responses elicited from the of an NGO worker engaged in Human Rights and Co quite fairly. For a majority of the Tamils (67%) and Muslim works for the betterment of society. Amongst the Up C choice. 57.4% of the Tamil community also state that intentions have been misinterpreted. The Sinhala com agreed that this was someone who works for the be percentage averred that an NGO worker is someone w and monetary gain. A further 18.9% labeled NGO w identical percentage chose the option of “an agent of inte
Torture (Page 60)
• Manfred Novak: When asked for their opinion on Manfr in Sri Lanka, 80.2% of the Tamils agreed that torture is the case of the other three communities, most said th (Sinhala- 37.3%, UCT- 45% and Muslim -53.5%)
Special Section: Opinion on Constitutional Changes*(Pages 61-63
• North East Merger: The Tamil community are most supp Eastern provinces ( 69.5%), as are the Muslims (50.4%) Country Tamils (36.5%) are less supportive.
• Constitutional change within a unitary system: As for system, the Sinhalese at 40.2% and the Muslims at 6 community, with a disagreement level of 41.5%, are no system.
• Constitutional change under a federal system: Constitu however, is favoured more by the Tamil community (61 (49.6%).
• Constitutional change that ensures religious equality: C favoured more by the members of the Muslim communit
(90.2%) and the Tamil community (84.2%), while the S Tamils (61.3%) are less willing.
• Devolution of power: When it comes to the devolution community (64.6%) and the Tamil community (72.9%) a the provinces. These two communities are also the mo the provinces (Tamil- 74%, Muslim – 65.6%), as well as m 76%, Muslim- 66.1%). In both these matters, the Up Cou

Index
nce: Majorities in the Sinhala (46.4%), Tamil (85.3%) and Muslim ed with the work done by NGOs toward national development. uslim communities, this sense of satisfaction extends also toward values (71.6% and 43.9% respectively.) 43.6% of the Sinhala ion. In the case of NGO work with regards to human rights, a unity (39%) express dissatisfaction while 83.2% of the Tamils , ls and 49.4% of the Muslims express satisfaction. With regards to e Tamils and 45.7% of the Muslims are satisfied with NGO work Sinhalese express dissatisfaction. In most of these aspects, the are unable to answer.
sponses elicited from the sample surveyed regarding perceptions in Human Rights and Conflict Resolution projects were spread e Tamils (67%) and Muslims, the label chosen was someone who ociety. Amongst the Up Country Tamils, this was also a popular mmunity also state that such a person is someone who’s good preted. The Sinhala community’s choices varied greatly, 27.2% e who works for the betterment of society while an identical O worker is someone who is looking for personal advancement r 18.9% labeled NGO workers as LTTE sympathisers while an option of “an agent of international conspiracy”.
or their opinion on Manfred Novak’s statement regarding torture ils agreed that torture is widespread throughout the country. In ommunities, most said that they do not know or are not sure
Muslim -53.5%)
al Changes*(Pages 61-63)
community are most supportive of a merger of the Northern and are the Muslims (50.4%). The Sinhalese at (30%) and the Up s supportive.
unitary system: As for change that is made under a unitary % and the Muslims at 60.2% are most supportive. The Tamil nt level of 41.5%, are not in favour of change under a unitary
federal system: Constitutional change under a federal system the Tamil community (61.1%) as well as the Muslim community
ures religious equality: Change that ensures religious equality is s of the Muslim community
nity (84.2%), while the Sinhalese (61.5%) and the Up Country
comes to the devolution of power to the provinces, the Muslim mil community (72.9%) are most willing to give police powers to munities are also the most willing to devolve powers of land to slim – 65.6%), as well as matters of health and education (Tamil- hese matters, the Up Country Tamil community shows is the
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Peace Confidence Index Top-Line Results least favourable. With regards to matters of culture and Tamils (80%) show the highest levels of agreement.
• Procedural changes: This trend continues when the resp to high courts for provinces, with the lowest level of agre (39.6%) and the highest from the Tamil community (62. the Muslim community (73.8%) are most agreeable to every five years while the Up Country Tamil community
• Language: As for the establishment of Sinhala and Tamil language, all communities are agreeable to the idea, wi Muslim community (81.5%) and the least from the Up Co
** For detailed analysis of Sinhala opinion on the Constitution

Index
to matters of culture and heritage, the Muslims (61.9%) and the levels of agreement.
continues when the respondents are asked if they would agree ith the lowest level of agreement amongst the Sinhala community he Tamil community (62.7%). The Tamil community (75%) and ) are most agreeable to the idea of provincial council elections ountry Tamil community are the least willing (47.5%).
ent of Sinhala and Tamil as official languages and English as a link agreeable to the idea, with the most consent coming from the
the least from the Up Country Tamil community (58.3%).
inion on the Constitutional debate please see page 64.
008
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Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Peace Confidence Index
May 2001 – March 200 *The Tamil community was surveyed using a non-rand Therefore findings regarding the Tamil community can community. (See Annex)
National Issues
Rating the Importance of Five National Issues
Ethnic Breakdown
Muslim
1.3
8.9
11.2
16.0
29.2
0.6
13.7
19.8
22.7
28.1
0 20 40 60 80
%
Changes of opinion from Nov '07 to
35.1
33.5
Up Country Tamil
0.7
12.0
16.9
17.9
25.2
27.4
Tamil*
1.1
9.9
17.9
21.3
21.8
28.2
Sinhala
15.0
m li s u M
33.5 March '08
11.2
16.0
29.2
Nov '07
35.5
11.5
14.3
26.3
il m a T y r t n u o C
March '08
27.4
17.9
16.9
25.2
p U
Nov '07
34.6
15.7
16.4
22.4
la a h in S
March '08
28.1
15.0
22.7
19.8
Nov '07
9.2 23.1
20.8
0 20 40 60 80
%

Index
e Confidence Index (PCI) ay 2001 – March 2008
ed using a non-random sampling technique. amil community cannot be generalized to the entire
tional Issues
thnic Breakdown
Other
Corruption
The conflict in the North and East
A peace process in Sri Lanka
Law and Order
The Economy
60 80 100
inion from Nov '07 to March '08
16.0
29.2
8.9
11.4
12.0
9.6
22.7
13.7
23.1
20.8
11.7
60 80 100
The Economy 14.3
26.3
Law and Order
16.9
25.2
The Conflict
The peace process
16.4
22.4
Corruption
19.8
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Solutions
How do you think we can end the war and arrive at pe
Ethnic Breakdown
2.5
3.7
Muslim
4.6
83.8
1.7 1.7 2.1
16.5 Up Country Tamil
0.6
4.0
77.3
0.6 1.1
1.1
3.2
Tamil*
3.2
6.4
83.0
3.2
Sinhala
0.3
1.3
3.2
7.2
8.8
14.6
16.6
48.1
0 20 40 60 80
%
Changes of opinion from Nov '07 to
1.7
March '08
1.7
4.6
83.8
2.5 lim s u M
2.1
0.8
Nov '07
4.1
0.4
4.9
85.2
3.7
0.8 il m a T y r t n u o C p
March '08
0.6
1.1
0.6
Nov '07
0.7
4.0
2
77.3
U
96.7
0.7
1.3
March '08
48.1
0.3
14.6
7.2
16.6
3 la a h n i S
1.6
0.3 Nov '07
48.5
10
13.1
25.7
0.9
0 20 40 %
60 80 10

Index
war and arrive at peace in Sri Lanka?
thnic Breakdown
8.1
Don't know /Not Sure
Other
Stop the w ar and conduct peace talks Conducting peace talks w hile having military operations Political negotiations after the Govt defeats the LTTE Political negotiations after the LTTE defeats the Govt LTTE defeating the Government
Government defeating the LTTE
inion from Nov '07 to March '08
0
83.8
77.3
83.0
60 80 100
2.5
13.1
Govt defeating the LTTE
LTTE defeating Govt 2
3.7
Political negotiations after LTTE defeats government
Political negotiations after Govt defeats LTTE
Conducting peace talks w hile 0.7
having military offensives
Stop the w ar and conduct political negotiations
4.6
7.2 16.6
3.2
Other
25.7
0.9
60 80 100
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Some say that, irrespective of how the war ends, a p to resolve the present conflict. There are also some w do you think? I think that a political settlement is:
Ethnic Breakdown
2.9
13.6 Muslim
1.2
11.1
2.7
17.6 18.1
31.6
0 20 40 60 80
%
Changes of opinion from Nov '07 to
35.6
71.2
13.7 Up Country Tamil
1.1
11.5
43.7
30.1
11.5 Tamil*
1.0
17.7
30.0
69.8
Sinhala
1.2
March '08
71.2
11.1 m li s u M
30.0
S
15.8
14.3
%
13.6
1.6 Nov '07
71
24.2
il m a T y r t n u o C p U
1.1
March '08
30.1
11.5
43.7
3.8 Nov '07
40.3
28.9
27
18.1
March '08
31.6
17.6 la a h in
34.4 Nov '07
0 20 40 60 80 10

Index
w the war ends, a political solution is still necessary ere are also some who disagree with this idea. What
is:
thnic Breakdown
69.8
Refuse to answ er
Don't know /Not Sure
Not Required
Useful
Essential
inion from Nov '07 to March '08
.9
71.2
7
60 80 100
1.2
11.1
13.6
1.6
Essential 24.2
3.2
43.7
Useful
3.8
27
Not required
18.1
17.6
Don't know / Not sure
.4
15.8
14.3
60 80 100
008
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Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results When should a political settlement be designed?
Ethnic Breakdown
32.9
Muslim
1.2
13.6
22.4 18.4
26.0
0 20 40 60 80
%
52.3
33.2
65.4 Up Country Tamil
2.7
7.1
24.7
22.1
Tamil*
2.1
26.3
49.5
Sinhala

Index
nt be designed?
thnic Breakdown
52.3
65.4
49.5
60 80 100
008
Don't know / Not sure
A political solution is not required
After the w ar
While the w ar continues
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Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Compared to the situation a year ago, how close present, in approaching a permanent settlement to th
Ethnic Breakdown
2.5 Muslim
62.7 15.2
19.7
3.8 Up Country
14.7
Tamil
3.5
10.2 7.8
17.9
60.7
0 20 40 60 80 10
%
Changes of opinion from Nov '07 to
48.5
62.5 15.8 3.3
2.1 3.1 Tamil*
74.2 16.5 4.1
Sinhala
62.7
March '08
19.7
15.2 m li s u M
49.6
62.5
65.8
17.9
S
8.3
%
2.
Nov '07
23.6
23.6
3.1
il m a T y r t n u o C
March '08
3.3
15.8
14.7
p U
Nov '07
4.4
21.5
8.2
7.8
March '08
60.7
10.2 la a h n i
19.4
23.8
Nov '07
0 20 40 60 80 10

Index
ar ago, how close do you think the country is, at nent settlement to the ethnic conflict?
thnic Breakdown
60.7
Refuse toansw er 62.7
Don’t know / Not Sure
62.5
Not close at all
74.2
Remains the same
Close
0 80 100
inion from Nov '07 to March '08
62.7
2.5
49.6
65.8
17.9
8.3
60 80 100
Close 3.1
Remains the same
Not close at all
Don’t know / Not sure
19.4
14.7
8.2
7.8
23.8
10.2
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Do you feel that the government is committed to find p
Ethnic Breakdown
2.9
Muslim
17.1
39.6 40.4
9.3 Up Country
34.6 Tamil
44.5 11.5
3.1
Tamil*
18.8
0.9
21.5
25.3
52.3
0 20 40 60 80 10
%
72.9 5.2
Sinhala

Index
is committed to find peace through talks?
thnic Breakdown
.3
Refuse to answ er
Don't know /Not sure
72.9
Disagree
Agree
60 80 100
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Do you feel that the LTTE is committed to find peace th
Ethnic Breakdown
4.5
Muslim
27.9
41.8 25.8
13.3 Up Country
37.6 Tamil
22.7
26.5
9.3
Tamil*
18.6
42.3 29.9
1.1
Sinhala
25.4
70.3 3.2
0 20 40 60 80 10
%

Index
itted to find peace through talks?
thnic Breakdown
70.3
60 80 100
Refuse to answ er
Don't know / Not Sure
Disagree
Agree
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Military Capacity
What is your assessment of the LTTE’s current military c
Ethnic Breakdown
0.8
Muslim
32.0
0.4
12.6
0 20 40 60 80 10
%
Changes of opinion from Nov '07 to
26.3
32.8
16.9
34.4
17.6
Up Country Tamil
10.4
45.6
26.4
8.3
Tamil*
19.8 17.7
54.2
Sinhala
70.1
March '08
34.4
32.8 im l s u M
Nov '07
33.3
16.4
il m a T y r t n u o C
March '08
26.4
10.4
p U
Nov '07
41.5
33.6
March '08
12.6
70.1 la a h in S
Nov '07
61.8
0 20 40 %
60 80 10

Index
TE’s current military capacity?
thnic Breakdown
54.2
70.1
Refuse to answ er
.6
Don't know / Not Sure
Weak
Strong
60 80 100
inion from Nov '07 to March '08
33.6
61.8
60 80 100
Strong
Weak
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
What is your assessment of the government’s current m
Ethnic Breakdown
0.4
Muslim
5.7
23.7
0.2
6.1
92.
0 20 40 60 80 10
%
Changes of opinion from Nov '07 to
88.1
70.2
1.5
16.8
Up Country Tamil
12.0
45.1
26.1
8.3
Tamil*
15.6
21.9
54.2
Sinhala
March '08
70.2
5.7 lim s u M
Nov '07
76.9
7.1
il m a T y r t n u o C
March '08
26.1
12.0
p U
Nov '07
37.7
15.7
March '08
92.2
1.5 la a h n i S
Nov '07
3.6
0 20 40 %
60 80 10

Index
vernment’s current military capacity?
thnic Breakdown
92.2
Refuse to answ er
70.2
1
Don't know / Not Sure
Weak 54.2
Strong
60 80 100
inion from Nov '07 to March '08
5.7
1.5
3.6
60 80 100
Strong 7.1
Weak
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Current Security Condition
Compared to the situation a year ago, do you thi country has improved or worsened?
Ethnic Breakdown
41.0
Muslim
9.4
16.0
33.2
1.2
14.0
17.3
62.9
0 20 40 60 80 1
%
Changes of opinion from Nov '07 t
65.9
53.0
Up Country Tamil
8.2
24.6
7.7
38.1
Tamil*
9.3
36.1
13.4
Sinhala
March '08
33.2
9.4
16.0 lim s u M
Nov '07
44.2
17
34
il m a T y r t n u o C
March '08
7.7
8.2
24.6
12.5
p U
Nov '07
8.8
74.4
March '08
62.9
17.3
14.0 la a h in S
Nov '07
16.4
15.4
0 20 40 %
60 80

Index
ear ago, do you think the security situation in the
d?
Ethnic Breakdown
62.9
Don’t know / Not Sure
53.0
Worsened
Remains the same
Improved
60 80 100
opinion from Nov '07 to March '08
.0
17.3
16.4
60 80 100 17
34
Improved
Remains the same 74.4
14.0
Worsened
15.4
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Some say that the country is currently involved in describe the situation as a war against terrorism. situation?
Ethnic Breakdown
5.5
15.2 1.6 Muslim
19.3
12.0 0.4
0 20 40 60 80 1
%
Changes of opinion from Nov '07 to
8.5
40.2
10.9
23.8
40.4 3.8 Up Country
3.3
9.3
43.2
7.2
14.4 Tamil*
11.3 10.3
56.7
Sinhala
71.2
19.3
March '08
23.8
40.2
3.8
71.2
S
16.9
1.6 im l s u M
Nov '07
32.8
40.3
12.6
2
3.1
62.8
0.9
%
3.3 il m a T y r t n u
March '08
43.2
9.3
o C
11.9
p U
Nov '07
44
13.8
March '08
5.5
10.9
0.4 a l a h in
Nov '07
0 20 40 60 80 1

Index
urrently involved in an ethnic conflict while others r against terrorism. How would you describe the
Ethnic Breakdown
56.7
71.2
60 80 100
Don’t know / Not Sure
Neither
Both
A w ar against terrorism
An ethnic conflict
inion from Nov '07 to March '08
19.3
.3
3.8
16.9
1.6
2
3.1
0.9
An ethnic 12.6
conflict
.3
A w ar against terrorism
13.8
Both
10.9
0.4
Neither
60 80 100
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results The Abrogation of the CFA
Which of the following best describes your attitude Ceasefire Agreement?
Ethnic Breakdow
21.3
33.6
41.8 Muslim
10.7 7.8 6.1
43.2
23.1 10.8 5.8
38.9
0 20 40 60 80
%
52.5 Up Country Tamil
0.5
1.1
2.7
8.3
Tamil*
1.0
2.1
Sinhala

Index
scribes your attitude toward the abrogation of the
Ethnic Breakdown
9 1.8
Don't know / Not Sure
3.2
I disapprove of the abrogation
52.5
I approve of the abrogation but it should have been left to the LTTE 88.5
I approve of the government's abrogation
This should have been done before
60 80 100
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Do you feel that the abrogation of the CFA has led t attacks on civilians?
Ethnic Breakdow
23.2
Muslim
11.2
29.5
31.6
0 20 40 60 80
%
65.6
35.9
Up Country Tamil
0.6
38.8
63.5
5.2
Tamil*
2.1
Sinhala

Index
of the CFA has led to an increase in the number of
Ethnic Breakdown
92.7 65.6
Don't Know / Not Sure
63.5
No they have not increased
Yes they have increased 8
60 80 100
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Cost of Living
What would you say are the main reasons for the incre
Ethnic Breakdown
Muslim
12.2
18.1
26.2
28.6
19.6
28.3
40.4
72.7
0 20 40 60 80 1
%
66.1
6.6
40.9
63.7
Up Country Tamil
19.2
21.4 22.3
25.1
29.3
74.5 53.3
Tamil*
10.0
23.6
40.1
44.8
47.9
52.3
55.4
Sinhala
25.5
76.1

Index
reasons for the increase in the cost of living?
Ethnic Breakdown
72.7
Other
66.1
Corruption 63.7
Large Cabinets/Govt Wastage
74.5 53.3
Inefficiency of the bureaucracy
8
The w ar
7.9
52.3
55.4
Bad economic management of the present govt
76.1
Increase of oil prices and prices of essential commodities in the w orld market
60 80 100
008
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Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Would you bear the present cost of living for the sak fighting against the LTTE?
Ethnic Breakdown
0.4
Muslim
8.7
2.7
61.3
0 20 40 60 80 1
%
72.7
4.7
18.2
6.6
Up Country Tamil
21.9
31.3
69.4 2.2
5.2
Tamil*
11.3
79.4 4.1
Sinhala

Index
t of living for the sake of the government’s effort in
Ethnic Breakdown
61.3
72.7
Refuse to answ er
69.4
Don't know / Not Sure
79.4
Disagree
Agree
60 80 100
008
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Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Would you bear the present cost of living because th world market have increased ?
Ethnic Breakdown
0.4
Muslim
8.3
4.6
36.0
0 20 40 60 80 1
%
70.2
8.2
21.1
7.1
Up Country Tamil
24.0
51.2
62.8 6.0
7.2
Tamil*
11.3
76.3 5.2
Sinhala

Index
of living because the government says prices in the
Ethnic Breakdown
51.2
70.2
Refuse to answ er
62.8
Don’t know / Not sure
76.3
Disagree
Agree
60 80 100
008
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Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results International Involvement
Do you approve of International assistance, to the go LTTE?
Ethnic Breakdown
1.6
Muslim
14.0
20.2
1.1
17.7
61.5
0 20 40 60 80
%
64.2
14.7
Up Country Tamil
40.8 41.3 3.3
3.1
Tamil*
13.4
19.7
69.1 14.4
Sinhala

Index
assistance, to the government in its war against the
Ethnic Breakdown
61.5
Refuse to answ er
64.2
Don't know / Not Sure
69.1
Disapprove
Approve
60 80 100
008
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Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Do you approve of International Involvement for t negotiations?
Ethnic Breakdown
1.6
Muslim
13.5 11.9
2.3
21.4
43.9
0 20 40 60 80
%
73.0
8.7
Up Country Tamil
10.4
31.7
32.4
49.2
1.0
Tamil*
5.2
13.5
80.2
Sinhala

Index
al Involvement for the facilitation of future peace
Ethnic Breakdown
9
Refuse to answ er
73.0
Don't know / Not Sure
49.2
Disapprove
80.2
Approve
60 80 100
008
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Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Do you approve of International Involvement in t projects?
Ethnic Breakdown
1.6
Muslim
13.5 11.9
2.3
21.4
43.9
0 20 40 60 80
%
73.0
8.7
Up Country Tamil
10.4
31.7
32.4
49.2
1.0
Tamil*
5.2
13.5
80.2
Sinhala

Index
al Involvement in the government’s development
Ethnic Breakdown
9
Refuse to answ er
73.0
Don't know / Not Sure
49.2
Disapprove
80.2
Approve
60 80 100
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results India
Do you approve of Indian assistance to the governme
Ethnic Breakdown
2.0
Muslim
15.2
21.3
0.9
20.4
58.5
0 20 40 60 80
%
61.5
12.6
Up country Tamil
38.8
43.7 4.9
4.1
Tamil*
14.4
20.2
74.2 7.2
Sinhala

Index
nce to the government in its war against the LTTE?
Ethnic Breakdown
58.5
Refuse to answ er
61.5
7
Don't know / Not Sure
74.2
Disapprove
Approve
60 80 100
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Do you approve of Indian Involvement in future peace
Ethnic Breakdown
2.0
Muslim
13.9 13.5
2.7
22.2
47.8
0 20 40 60 80
%
70.6
7.1
Up Country Tamil
9.3
22.5
27.3
61.0
5.2
Tamil*
14.4
17.5
62.9
Sinhala

Index
ment in future peace negotiations?
Ethnic Breakdown
7.8
Refuse to answ er
70.6
Don't know / Not Sure
61.0
Disapprove
62.9
Approve
60 80 100
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Do you approve of Indian Involvement in the governm
Ethnic Breakdown
2.0
Muslim
7.8
14.3
1.8
17.7
68.7
0 20 40 60 80
%
75.9
7.7
Up Country Tamil
5.5
23.0
11.8
63.9
6.2
Tamil*
15.5
21.6
56.7
Sinhala

Index
ment in the government’s development projects?
Ethnic Breakdown
68.7
Refuse to answ er
75.9
Don’t know / Not Sure
63.9
Disapprove
56.7
Approve
60 80 100
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Media Freedom
It has been said that the government ‘places pressur critical news and views. Which of the following statem on this?
Ethnic Breakdown
27.9
Muslim
14.8
30.7 26.6
33.8 10.1
31.5 24.7
0 20 40 60 80
%
68.1
Up Country Tamil
3.8
17.0 11.0
19.8
Tamil*
18.8
58.3
3.1
Sinhala

Index
ment ‘places pressure’ on media outlets that present f the following statements best reflects your opinion
Ethnic Breakdown
58.3
Don't know / Not Sure
68.1
The government has strict censorship of such reportage
The government places certain limitations on such reportage
The government allow s free and fair reporting
60 80 100
008
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Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Why do you feel that the government places such rest
Ethnic Breakdown
1.9
36.4 Muslim
8.4
14.0
26.2
4.1
36.7 Up Country Tamil
10.2
12.2 8.2
37.8 24.3 Tamil*
5.4
17.6 8.1
17.8
25.4 Sinhala
2.3
5.7
41.7
0 20 40 60 80
%

Index
ent places such restrictions on the media?
Ethnic Breakdown
60 80 100
All of the above
To hide w astage and other failures of the govt
To prevent the reporting of corruption in arms procurements
To uphold the morale of the soldiers
To safeguard national security
008
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Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Do you feel that media reports critical of the governm
Ethnic Breakdown
Muslim
0.4 0.4
5.4
31.0
16.5
1.4
5.0
35.3
3.0
31.2
0 20 40 60 80
%
46.3
11.6
69.0
Up Country Tamil
0.5
2.7 3.3
6.0
18.5
12.5
34.4
Tamil*
5.2
16.7
43.8
Sinhala

Index
itical of the government reflect:
Ethnic Breakdown
.8
Don't know / Not Sure
6.3
Other
69.0
Unpatriotic behaviour
An expression of political partisanship
An expression of LTTE sympathy
An expression of political instability
An expression of democracy
60 80 100
008
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Page 36
6034
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results The APRC and the Constitutional Debate
How confident are you in the ability of the APRC to brin
Ethnic Breakdown
19.4 5.8 Muslim
5.4
7.0
22.6 14.3 14.6
45.6
0 20 40 60 80
%
62.4
2.9
42.1 8.7 Up Country Tamil
3.3 2.7
43.2
22.7
28.9 Tamil*
6.2
42.3
Sinhala

Index
tional Debate
ity of the APRC to bring about a southern consensus ?
Ethnic Breakdown
5.6
Don't Know / Not Sure
62.4
1
I have no confidence
.2
I have some confidence
3
I am very confident
I am not aw are of the APRC
60 80 100
008
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Page 37
6035
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Are you satisfied with the level of inclusion in the All Pa
Ethnic Breakdown
13.3
Muslim
71.1
15.6
22.2
Up Country Tamil
74.1
3.7
8.8
Tamil*
9
45.4
Sinhala
43.7
10.9
0 20 40 60 80
%

Index
inclusion in the All Party Representative Committee ?
Ethnic Breakdown
.7
71.1
5.4
60 80 100
Don't know / Not Sure
74.1
Not satisfied
91.2
Satisfied
008
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Page 38
6036
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Do you agree with the JVP demand to dissolve the until such time as the LTTE is defeated?
Ethnic Breakdown
10.9
Muslim
82.6
6.5
49.9
25.1
25.0
0 20 40 60 80
%
48.1
Up Country Tamil
48.1
3.7
11.8
Tamil*
85.
2.9
Sinhala

Index
and to dissolve the APRC and give up peace talks ated?
Ethnic Breakdown
82.6
85.3
49.9
Don't know / Not Sure
48.1
48.1
Disagree
Agree
60 80 100
008
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Page 39
6037
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Do you approve of the inclusion of the TMVP in the AP
Ethnic Breakdown
27.9
Muslim
32.6
39.5
24.1
Up Country Tamil
24.1
31.0
20.7
5.9
Tamil*
5.9
38.7 12.7
22.1
26.5
0 20 40 60 80
%
82.4 5.9
Sinhala

Index
of the TMVP in the APRC?
Ethnic Breakdown
82.4
60 80 100
008
Don’t know / Not Sure
I am not aw are of this
Disapprove
Approve
Page 37

Page 40
6038
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Do you approve of the APRC interim report's implementation of the 13th Amendment?
Ethnic Breakdown
22.2 22.2 Muslim
4.4
20.0
31.1
33.3 11.1 Up Country Tamil
7.4
25.9 11.1 11.1
14.7
23.5 Tamil*
5.9
8.8
41.2 5.9
39.3 17.2 Sinhala
5.5
10.5
13.2 14.2
0 20 40 60 80
%

Index
C interim report's recommendation of the full dment?
Ethnic Breakdown
60 80 100
Don't know / Not Sure
I am not aw are of the contents of the 13th Amendment
I am not aw are of this report
Neither approve nor disapprove
Disapprove
Approve
008
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Page 41
6039
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Do you approve of the establishment of an interim pro
Ethnic Breakdown
8.9
Muslim
13.3
22.2
55.6 10.8
10.5
0 20 40 60 80
%
55.6
23.1
36.0
Up Country Tamil
12.0
40.0
12.0
18.8
Tamil*
9.4
59.4 12.5
Sinhala

Index
ent of an interim provincial council for the North?
Ethnic Breakdown
55.6
59.4
55.6
60 80 100
Don't know / Not Sure
Neither approve nor disapprove
Disapprove
Approve
008
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Page 42
6040
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
The Constitutional Council
In your opinion, is the appointment of the Constitutiona
Ethnic Breakdown
18.9 0.8 Muslim
18.0
28.7
1.8
48.0
0 20 40 60 80
%
62.3
18.3
54.2
Up Country Tamil
5.6
39.7
20.6 3.1 Tamil*
8.2
3.2
16.5
51.5
Sinhala

Index
l
nt of the Constitutional Council an urgent matter?
Ethnic Breakdown
48.0
Don't know / Not Sure
62.3
54.2
The council need not be appointed
The appointment is not urgent
51.5
Const Council should be appointed urgently
I am not aw are of the Const. Council
60 80 100
008
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Page 43
6041
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results The president has been making appointments to ind approve?
Ethnic Breakdown
14.7
34.9
Muslim
18.7 17.4
29.0
46.5 14.3
24.5
0 20 40 60 80
%
58.8
Up Country Tamil
3.8
10.4
26.9
24.0
Tamil*
9.4
38.5
28.1
Sinhala

Index
appointments to independent commissions. Do you
Ethnic Breakdown
6.5
Neither approve nor disapprove
58.8
Disapprove
Approve
I am not aw are of such occurrences
60 80 100
008
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Page 44
6042
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Who do you think is responsible for the delay in the a Council?
Ethnic Breakdown
9.9
85 2.9 Muslim
11.5
0.6 Up Country Tamil
3.1
80.6
2.6
0 20 40 60 80
%
71.2 7.6 Tamil*
3.0
1.2
18.2
5.6 Sinhala

Index
for the delay in the appointment of the Constitutional
Ethnic Breakdown
85.6
80.6
60 80 100
Don’t know / Not Sure
96.3
President and other political parties
Speaker
71.2
President and speaker
President
008
Page 42

Page 45
6043
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Local Government Elections In your opinion, were the polls in the East conducted in
Ethnic Breakdown
44.6
Muslim
23.1
32.2
40.3
12.9
46.8
0 20 40 60 80
%
68.1
Up Country Tamil
20.9
11.0
16.7
Tamil*
63.5
19.8
Sinhala

Index
ns
the East conducted in a free and fair manner?
Ethnic Breakdown
4.6
46.8
60 80 100
Don't know / Not Sure
68.1
No
Yes
63.5
3
008
Page 43

Page 46
6044
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Should provincial council polls in the East be he elections?
Ethnic Breakdown
39.8
Muslim
9.8
34.9
55.8
0 20 40 60 80
%
50.4
9.3
74.2
Up Country Tamil
11.0
14.8
14.7
Tamil*
47.4
37.9
Sinhala

Index
in the East be held after the local government
Ethnic Breakdown
50.4
47.4
55.8
Don't know / Not sure
74.2
No
Yes
60 80 100
008
Page 44

Page 47
6045
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results There were calls for the TMVP to be disarmed before you agree?
Ethnic Breakdown
4.4
43.8
Muslim
2.1
43.8 10.2
34.2 3.8
57.6
0 20 40 60 80
%
68.0
Up Country Tamil
7.2
8.8
16.0
16.4
Tamil*
13.7
67.1 2.7
Sinhala

Index
be disarmed before the conducting of the polls. Do
Ethnic Breakdown
3.8
3.8
68.0
57.6
60 80 100
Don't know / Not Sure
Disagree
Agree
I do not know w ho the TMVP are
67.1
008
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Page 48
6046
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results The President
Are you satisfied with Mahinda Rajapakse's performa the cost of living?
Ethnic Breakdown
7.8
Muslim
78.3
13.9
24.2
Up Country Tamil
72.0
3.8
4.1
Tamil*
7.2
3.6
Sinhala
63.6
32.9
0 20 40 60 80
%

Index
Rajapakse's performance with regards to managing
Ethnic Breakdown
63.6
78.3
No response
72.0
Dissatisfied
88.7
Satisfied
60 80 100
008
Page 46

Page 49
6047
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Are you satisfied with Mahinda Rajapakse's performa social values?
Ethnic Breakdown
9.8
Muslim
81.
0 20 40 60 80
%
54.1
5.9
36.1
13.1
41.1
Up Country Tamil
49.4
9.4
9.3
Tamil*
71.1
19.6
Sinhala

Index
Rajapakse's performance with regards to preserving
Ethnic Breakdown
81.0 54.1
No response
.1
49.4
Dissatisfied
71.1
Satisfied
60 80 100
008
Page 47

Page 50
6048
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Are you satisfied with Mahinda Rajapakse's performa his own party?
Ethnic Breakdown
20.5
Muslim
31.6
10.6
68.8
0 20 40 60 80
%
48.0
20.6
50.5
Up Country Tamil
40.1
9.3
16.7
Tamil*
59.4
24.0
Sinhala

Index
Rajapakse's performance with regards to managing
Ethnic Breakdown
68.8
No response
48.0
50.5
1
Dissatisfied
59.4
Satisfied
60 80 100
008
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Page 51
6049
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
3 Are you satisfied with Mahinda Rajapakse's performa international relations?
Ethnic Breakdown
17.2
Muslim
33.6
9.3
77.1
0 20 40 60 80
%
49.2
13.5
52.8
Up Country Tamil
40.4
6.7
7.4
Tamil*
71.6
21.1
Sinhala

Index
ajapakse's performance with regards to maintaining
Ethnic Breakdown
77.1
No response
49.2
52.8
.4
Dissatisfied
71.6
Satisfied
60 80 100
008
Page 49

Page 52
6050
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Are you satisfied with Mahinda Rajapakse's performa the war?
Ethnic Breakdown
12.7
Muslim
41.8
7.3
3.1
0 20 40 60 80
%
45.5
5.5
44.2
Up Country Tamil
54.1
1.7
7.3
Tamil*
8
Sinhala

Index
ajapakse's performance with regards to conducting
Ethnic Breakdown
91.4 .8
No response
45.5
4.2
54.1
Dissatisfied
85.4
Satisfied
60 80 100
008
Page 50

Page 53
6051
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Are you satisfied with Mahinda Rajapakse's performa ethnic conflict?
Ethnic Breakdown
13.5
Muslim
49.6
36.9
38.9
Up Country Tamil
58.9
2.2
5.2
Tamil*
5.2
11.8
Sinhala
14.7
73.5
0 20 40 60 80
%

Index
ajapakse's performance with regards to solving the
Ethnic Breakdown
73.5 49.6
No response
58.9
Dissatisfied
89.7
Satisfied
60 80 100
008
Page 51

Page 54
6052
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Kosovo Kosovo recently made a unilateral declaration of which of the following best reflects your opinion on thi
Ethnic Breakdown
22.9
54.7 5.3 Muslim
0.4
1.2
9.4
29.0
54.0 3.8 1.4
7.6
10.4
0 20 40 60 80
%
54.6 1.6 Up Country Tamil
0.5
10.4
0.5
32.2
22.6 6.5 Tamil*
2.2
43.0
1.1
24.7
Sinhala

Index
eral declaration of independence. Please indicate ts your opinion on this:
Ethnic Breakdown
.0
54.0
Don't know / Not Sure
54.7
I amsupportive of this move by Kosovo, but feel that it is not
54.6
applicable to Sri Lanka
I amsupportive of this move by Kosovo
The government of Sri Lanka is correct not to endorse this move
It is not a situation comparable w ith Sri Lanka
I w as not aw are of this event
60 80 100
008
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Page 55
6053
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Transfer of CIABAC Director General
Do you approve of the transfer of the Director G Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption?
Ethnic Breakdown
23.0
32.9 3.7 Muslim
11.1
14.0
38.3
53.4 3.8
10.4 9.4
0 20 40 60 80
%
56.6 3.3 Up Country Tamil
8.2 1.1
30.8
13.4 13.4 Tamil*
36.1 5.2
32.0
Sinhala

Index
r General
er of the Director General of the Commission to
and Corruption?
Ethnic Breakdown
53.4
Don't know / Not Sure
56.6
Neither approve nor disapprove
Disapprove
Approve
I w as not aw are of this
60 80 100
008
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Page 56
6054
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results The A9 Do you approve the TNA’s suggestion that the gov gesture of goodwill?
Ethnic Breakdown
8.8
28.5
Muslim
6.2
22.3
43.0
40.5 9.4
41.3
0 20 40 60 80
%
52.0
Up Country Tamil
0.6
7.3
40.2
9.5
Tamil*
1.1
Sinhala

Index
gestion that the government open up the A9 as a
Ethnic Breakdown
89.5
Don't Know / Not Sure
.0
52.0
Neither approve nor disapprove
2
Disapprove
5
.3
Approve
60 80 100
008
Page 54

Page 57
6055
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results NGOs Are you satisfied with NGO performance in developin
Ethnic Breakdown
39.1
Muslim
8.6
27.4
46.4
0 20 40 60 80
%
52.3
26.2
53.8
Up Country Tamil
9.9
36.3
5.3
Tamil*
9.5
Sinhala

Index
rmance in developing the country?
Ethnic Breakdown
1
52.3
53.8
85.3
46.4
60 80 100
008
No response
Dissatisfied
Satisfied
Page 55

Page 58
6056
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Are you satisfied with NGO performance in preserving
Ethnic Breakdown
21.9
39.8
Muslim
16.4
43.9
34.5
43.6
0 20 40 60 80
%
56.4
Up Country Tamil
9.5
34.1
7.4
Tamil*
21.1
71.6
Sinhala

Index
rmance in preserving social values?
Ethnic Breakdown
.8
3.9
56.4
71.6
3.6
60 80 100
008
No response
Dissatisfied
Satisfied
Page 56

Page 59
6057
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Are you satisfied with NGO performance in safeguard
Ethnic Breakdown
24.2
39.1
Muslim
11.5
36.7
0 20 40 60 80
%
49.4
39.1
57.8
Up Country Tamil
8.3
33.9
5.3
Tamil*
11.6
8
Sinhala

Index
rmance in safeguarding human rights?
Ethnic Breakdown
1
49.4
57.8
83.2
1
60 80 100
008
No response
Dissatisfied
Satisfied
Page 57

Page 60
6058
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Are you satisfied with NGO performance in solving the
Ethnic Breakdown
20.1
39.5
Muslim
14.8
35.3
0 20 40 60 80
%
45.7
44.6
59.4
Up Country Tamil
9.4
31.1
10.4
Tamil*
22.9
66.7
Sinhala

Index
rmance in solving the ethnic conflict?
Ethnic Breakdown
.5
45.7
59.4
66.7
44.6
60 80 100
008
No response
Dissatisfied
Satisfied
Page 58

Page 61
6059
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Which of the following best describes a person wo Human Rights/ Peace and Conflict Resolution?
Ethnic Breakdow
27.2
40.6
Muslim
2.5
4.8
6.2
7.1
9.1
16.3 16.8
31.2
0.7
9.2
10.0
12.4
14.3
18.9 18.9
42.9
0 20 40 60 80
%
46.2
27.2
59.2
Up Country Tamil
0.8
3.7 4.4 5.2
7.7
18.7
27.7
29.5
Tamil*
1.7
9.9
4.7
10.5
38.4
57.4
3.5 4.2
33.9
67.0
Sinhala

Index
scribes a person working for an NGO engaged in ct Resolution?
Ethnic Breakdown .6
67.0
60 80 100
Don't know / Not Sure
Other
46.2
A peace activist 59.2
Someone w ho's good intentions have been misinterpreted Someone engaged in w ork that w ill prolong the conflict
4
57.4
An evangelist
An agent of an international conspiracy
2.9
An LTTE sympathizer
Someone w ho is looking for personal advancement and monetary Someone gain
w ho w orks for the betterment of society
008
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Page 62
6060
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results Torture Manfred Novak, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture ha Sri Lanka is widespread. The government has refute think?
Ethnic Breakdow
6.9
53.5 12.0
Muslim
3.3 2.1
11.2
17.8
37.3 19.2 17.1 12.4 7.1
0 20 40 60 80
%
45.0 13.3
Up Country Tamil
1.1
5.6 6.1
28.9
8.3 4.2
Tamil*
2.1
5.2
80
Sinhala

Index
porteur on Torture has stated recently that torture in vernment has refuted this statement. What do you
Ethnic Breakdown
53.5
80.2
60 80 100
Don't know / Not Sure
I am not aw are of this 45.0
statement
Torture does not take place
Torture takes place only occassionally
Torture is w idespread only in conflict affected areas
Torture is w idespread throughout Sri Lanka
008
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6061
Muslim
r e g r e M t s a E h t r o N
Up Country Tamil
Tamil*
Sinhala
%
Muslim
m e t s y s l a r e d e f a r e d n u
Up Country Tamil
e g n a h C
Tamil*
Sinhala
%
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Special Section: Opinion on Constitutional Changes
30
50.4
25.0
36.5
5.5
28.4
0 20 40 60 80 100
Agree
Disagree
11.1
69.5
10.5
49.6
13.6
M
27.4
2.8
24.2
C
0 20 40 60 80 100
Agree
y t i l a u q e s u o i g i l e r
Co T
61.1
9.5
Disagree
s e r u s n e t a h t e g n a h
T
S

Index
60.2
15.7
12.4
Agree
Disagree
21.3
41.5
40.2
7.7
008
al Changes
Muslim
C
13.1
m e t s y s y r a
Up Country Tamil
Agree
Disagree
0 20 40 60 80 100
%
00
t i n u a n i h t i w e g n a h
Tamil*
Sinhala
1.2
Agree
y t i l a u q e s u o i g i l e r
Muslim
90.2
Up Country
61.3
0.6 Tamil
Disagree
s e r u s n e
3.2
C
61.5
13.2
0 20 40 60 80 100
%
Agree
t a h t e g n a h
Tamil*
84.2
Disagree
Sinhala
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Muslim
Up s r e w o p e c i l o P
Country Tamil
Tamil*
Sinhala
%
Muslim
n o i t a c u d E d n a h t l
Up Country Tamil
a e H
Tamil*
Sinhala
%
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
33.3
64.6
29.1
10.7
39.8
3.9
0 20 40 60 80 100
Agree
Disagree
50.1
72.9
9.4
66.1
10.2
45.9
2.8
14.7
0 20 40 60 80 100
Agree
76
5.2
Disagree
Musli
L
Up Count Tam d n a
Tam
Sinha
e g a it r e H d n a e r u lt u C
C

Index
Agree
Disagree
Agree
Disagree
47.8
008
Muslim
L
Up Country Tamil d n a
Tamil*
Sinhala
%
Muslim
e g a it r e H d n a e r u lt C
Up Country Tamil
u
Tamil*
Sinhala
%
9.4
0 20 40 60 80 100
13.9
0 20 40 60 80 100
38.9
42.3
61.9
43.1
15.3
65.6
5.0
74.0
19.6
80
2.2
2.1
6.3
Page 62
Agree
Disagree
Agree
Disagree

Page 65
6063
Muslim
s e c in v o r p r o f s t r u o c
Up Country Tamil
h ig H
Tamil*
Sinhala
%
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
62.7
39.6
18.9
12.7
43.3
2.2
6.3
0 20 40 60 80 100
M
s
C
P
60.9
r y 5
Agree
y r e
77.9
Disagree
v e s n o i t c e l e C
S
k n i l h s i l g n E , s e g
l
Muslim
S
81.5
a u g
Up
n a
Country Tamil
58.3
1.1 l l a i c i f f o s a
e g a u g n a
l i m a T d n a a l
Tamil*
77.9
a h n i
Sinhala
10
0 20 40 60 80
%

Index
Agree
Disagree
53.0
008
Muslim
P
73.8
12.7
2.9
s r y 5 y r e v e
Up Country
47.5
1.7 Tamil
Agree
5.2
Disagre
0 20 40 60 80 100
%
60.9
s n o i t c e l e
Tamil*
75.0 C
Sinhala
81.5 3.3
58.3
1.1
5.3
10.3
40 60 80 100
%
Agree
77.9
Disagree
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
THE CONSTITUTIONAL DEBATE AND THE SINHALA COMM
In this wave, the PCI attempted to ascertain a detailed
aspects of the constitutional debate. Thereby, various
structure of the constitution, on the aspects of power sh
changes in order to gauge the extent of popular support
understand the factors that would influence the support fo
proposal was presented to four independent samples. For
of proposals were presented without any frame, while for t
was presented under three different frames. The frames we
No Specific Advocate - V1
Advocated by the President- V2
Advocated by a Religious Leader- V3
Advocated by the International Community- V4
These particular frames were chosen based on previous
that political leaders and religious leaders are instrument
less popular. The fourth frame was chosen due to the hig
in the peace process. It should be noted here that due
factorial design technique was applied only to the Sinhala r
results show that it is largely among the Sinhalese that s
issues prevails, the research team feels that limiting the
harm the integrity of the data or detract from the policy
consensus.

Index
THE SINHALA COMMUNITY
ascertain a detailed view of public opinion on various
te. Thereby, various proposals were presented on the
e aspects of power sharing and also certain procedural
ent of popular support. Further, attempts were made to
nfluence the support for each proposal. To do this, each
pendent samples. For the first independent sample, a list
t any frame, while for the other three groups the same list
frames. The frames were as follows:
3
munity- V4
en based on previous survey experience that confirmed
leaders are instrumental in promoting policies which are
chosen due to the high level of international involvement
e noted here that due to the limitations of sampling this
ed only to the Sinhala respondents. Since previous survey
g the Sinhalese that such disagreement on constitutional
feels that limiting the analysis in this manner does not
etract from the policy debate surrounding the southern
008
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Conclusions drawn:
As described above, the Sinhala community was asked to
certain constitutional changes, dependant on the person o
The responses elicited show certain trends and patterns
each specific promoter but the degree of variance– where
or increase by five or less percentage points, and thereby
not statistically strong enough for one to claim the overr
another. The patterns of opinion observed suggest that:
• Advocacy by the President or a religious leader do
promotion by the international community has a te
• The promotion of a particular proposal without
generally more successful than if the same
international community.
Generally, however, levels of agreement are more influe
than the particular advocate.
• Structural changes such as a merger of the Nor
under a unitary system and change that ensures
high levels of agreement from the Sinhalese, n
cases. With regards to change under a federal
shown, with the highest level of agreement bein
religious leaders).
• With the exception of the granting police powers to
a high degree of receptivity to certain aspects
education, culture and heritage). With regards to p
rise above 37.3% (advocated by President).
• When asked about procedural changes such as
official languages and English as a link language,
consent (No Advocate- 60.9%). The same is true
provincial council elections every 5 years where le
mark. Establishing a high court for provinces, how
the highest level of agreement being 43.5% (Advoc

Index
mmunity was asked to indicate its level of agreement on
ndant on the person or body that advocated that change.
in trends and patterns with regards to the influences of
ee of variance– where the percentage points only reduce
ge points, and thereby fall within the margin of error- are
one to claim the overriding influence of one frame over
served suggest that:
or a religious leader does serve to boost agreement while
nal community has a tendency to lower consent.
ular proposal without any specific advocate behind it is
l than if the same were to be championed by the
ement are more influenced by the proposal itself rather
a merger of the North and East, constitutional change
change that ensures religious equality all receive fairly
from the Sinhalese, not falling below 25% for all three
ange under a federal system, a sense of resistance is
vel of agreement being at 13.9% (when advocated by
anting police powers to the provinces, the Sinhalese show
ity to certain aspects of power sharing (land, health,
age). With regards to police powers, agreement does not
d by President).
ural changes such as establishing Sinhala and Tamil as
ish as a link language, the Sinhalese show high levels of
9%). The same is true when asked if they agree to hold
every 5 years where levels of agreement hit over the 50%
ourt for provinces, however, is not received as well, with
nt being 43.5% (Advocated by President).
008
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6066
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
International Community
m e t s y s l a r e d e f a r e d n u e g n a h C
%
International Community
r e g r e M t s a E h t r o N
%
Religious Leader
President
No advocate
Religious Leader
President
No advocate
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
32
35.1
28.4
31.6
30
28.4
0 20 40 60 80 100
Agree
35.2
27.7
Disagree
9.9
31.9
13.9
29
Agree
11.7
26.6
Disagree
11.1
24.2
0 20 40 60 80 100

Index
International m e t s y s y r a t i
Community
41.5
11.5
Religious
Agree
Disagree
n u a n i h t i
Leader
President
39.7
8.7
44.9
10.5
Agree
Disagree w e g n a h C
No advocate
40.2
7.7
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
%
International y it l a u q e s u io ig l
61.5 Community
C
58.1
19.7
Religious
gree
e r s
Leader
61.2
16.1
isagree
e r u s n e
President
63.4
15.7
13.2
Agree
t a h t e g n a h
Disagree
No advocate
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
%
008
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6067
International Community
s r e w o p e c i l o P
%
International Community
n o i t a c u d E d n a h t l a e H
%
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Religious Leader
President
No advocate
Religious Leader
President
No advocate
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
32.2
35.2
36.7
31.5
33.1
29.1
0 20 40 60 80 100
Agree
37.3
31.4
Disagree
56.8
15.4
57.8
12.7
50.1
14.7
0 20 40 60 80 100
Agree
Disagree 56.3
16.4
I
d n a L
In C
e g a t i r e H d n a e r u t l u C

Index
100
008
International Community
L
26.1 40.2
19.6
0 20 40 60 80 100
Religious Leader
21.5 45.8
d
%
Agree
Disagree
00
n a
President
21.6 48.6
No advocate
42.3
International Community
C
55.2
15.1
Agree
e g a t i r e
Religious Leader
60.3
9.5
Disagree
15.3 H d n a e r u t l u
President
57
16.8
No advocate
47.8
0 20 40 60 80 100
%
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Agree
Disagree
Agree
Disagree

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International Community
s e c n i v o r p r o f s t r u o c h g i H
%
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Religious Leader
President
No advocate
Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
34.5
30.2
43.8
26.5
39.6
18.9
0 20 40 60 80 100
Agree
Disagree 43.5
27.5
k n i l h s i l g n E , s e g a u g n
International Community
Religious
e g
Leader
5
6
a l l a i c i f f o l i
a u g n a l
m a T d n a a l
President
a h n i S
No advocate
6
0 20

Index
00
008
International Community
P
57.5
14.6
Agree
s r a e y e v i f
Religious Leader
56.7
13.9
Disagree
y r e v e s n o i t c
12.7
0 20 40 60 80 100
%
Agree
Disagree
e l e
53.0
60.9
President
61.8
12.2
C
No advocate
International Community
59.7
13.3
Religious Leader
61.5
11.5
10.3
0 20 40 60 80 100
%
Agree
Disagree President
62.5
14.5
No advocate
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Page 71
N
NOVEMBER
• The United States on November 15 froze the US-held assets of th charitable organization that acts as a front to facilitate fundraising a November 16, 2007
• The Batticaloa district remains tensed even as Muslims demand the the area, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) said in its la Mirror of November 17, 2007
• Indian Foreign Secretary, Shivshankar Menon said in a communi Swamy[that]: "There has been no change in the government's terrorist organisation. The government has made formal reques leader of the LTTE, to the government of Sri Lanka from time informed us that our request is receiving their consideration".-Daily
• After weeks of speculation, tension and crossovers the much awa Budget was won by the government November 19 with a fairly co MPs voted for the budget and 102 against. -Daily Mirror of Novem
• The TMVP (Pillayan faction) on November 19 indirectly admitt parliamentarian on Sunday afternoon. -Daily Mirror of November 2
• An armed gang set fire to the printing press of the pro-Opposition hours of on November 21.- The Island of November 22, 2007
• India has asked Sri Lanka to expedite the implementation of the p help solve the ethnic conflict.- Daily Mirror of November 22, 2007
• Sri Lanka has sought the expulsion of some UNICEF foreign an contravened the mandate of the organization in Sri Lanka, November 24, 2007
• Suspected LTTE cadres on November 26 shot dead four civi District- Daily Mirror of November 27, 2007
• In his annual ‘Heroes’ Day’ speech delivered from an undisclose radio and television the rebel leader also hit out at the Norweg November 28, 2007
• The government has vowed to kill LTTE leader Velupillai Prabh Thamilselvan was eliminated. - Daily Mirror of November 28, 20
• The SLAF blew up the clandestine Voice of Tiger radio stati November 28, 2007
• At least 17 people were killed and another 33 seriously injured in a leading clothes shop in Nugegoda town on evening of No 2007
• An attempt, the ninth, on the life of EPDP leader and Social We capped LTTE woman suicide bomber failed on November 28. –
• Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake in Parliament on Nov on identified LTTE targets in the Wanni region- Daily Mirror of N
∗ For the purpose of accuracy, un-dated indicators such as “yesterday/today/tomorrow” are edited to in
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008
Peace Confidence Index Top-Line Results
K
EY NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

Page Index
69
AL DEVELOPMENTS
N
OVEMBER
2007 - APRIL 2008*
un-dated indicators (in the reproduced news items) row” are edited to indicate their exact date.
008
NOVEMBER
e the US-held assets of the Tamils Rehabilitation Organization (TRO), a t to facilitate fundraising and procurement for the LTTE. -Daily Mirror of
n as Muslims demand the disarming of illegal armed groups operating in ion (SLMM) said in its latest weekly security assessment report. -Daily
enon said in a communication to Janata Party president Subramanian ge in the government's policy towards the LTTE which is a banned has made formal requests for the extradition of V. Prabhakaran, the t of Sri Lanka from time to time. The government of Sri Lanka has their consideration".-Daily Mirror of November 19, 2007 crossovers the much awaited vote on the second reading of the 2008 vember 19 with a fairly comfortable majority of 16 votes. Eventually 118
t. -Daily Mirror of November 20, 2007
ber 19 indirectly admitted to the abduction of a relative of a TNA aily Mirror of November 20, 2007 ess of the pro-Opposition Leader Publications, in Ratmalana, in the wee f November 22, 2007 e implementation of the package for devolution of power for Tamils to
r of November 22, 2007
some UNICEF foreign and local staff owing to their conduct which has rganization in Sri Lanka, the Foreign Ministry said.- Daily Mirror of
r 26 shot dead four civilians at Mahawilachchiya in the Anuradhapura , 2007 livered from an undisclosed location in the Wanni and aired over Tiger lso hit out at the Norwegian facilitators and the SLMM - Daily Mirror of
TE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in the same way its political head S.P. irror of November 28, 2007
oice of Tiger radio station at Thiruviyar, Kilinochchi. – The Island of
ther 33 seriously injured when a suspected LTTE parcel bomb went off a town on evening of November 28. - Daily Mirror of November 29,
DP leader and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda, by a handi- failed on November 28. – The Island of November 29, 2007 ake in Parliament on November 29 vowed to continue with air strikes
i region- Daily Mirror of November 30, 2007

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Peace Confidence Index Top-Line Results
DECEMBER
• There can be no military solution to the dragging conflict in S "a negotiated, political settlement", India and the European U 03,2007
• Government’s defence spokesman and minister, Keheliya Ra Kilinochchi was within sight, and therefore the Governme terrorism to create a democratic environment.- The Island of
• The Sri Lanka government has ruled out any chances of ano the peace agreement signed in 2001. -Daily Mirror of Decemb
• The army is on the offensive in the general area west of Om south of Adampan, an LTTE stronghold now under intense pr
• Twelve suspects of over 2000 Tamils arrested in Colombo confirmed hardcore LTTE terrorists, Deputy Inspector Gene December 11. –The Island of December 12, 2007
• Pakistan will raise its defence credit limit to Sri Lanka for 31million, bringing the annual defence credit limit from Pakista of December 12,2007
• Four SLMC members including Leader Rauff Hakeem broke Opposition in Parliament yesterday after quitting their minis 13,2007
• The crucial third reading of the 2008 Budget was comfortabl 47 votes after a tense parliament session last evening. Daily M
• The decapitated body of a Red Cross worker who was abdu was found in Kaithady on December 16, -Daily Mirror of Dece
• The International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (I being made “irrelevant” owing to the persistent disregard for Government and the Commission of Inquiry. – Daily Mirror o
• Sri Lanka is to take part in a series of joint air exercises with n growing threat from the LTTE’s air wing, informed sources said
• Opposition UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on Decembe with all political parties and civil society groups within two we the Constitution. -Daily Mirror of December 21, 2007
• The All Party Representative Committee (APRC), which wa package for the resolution of the ethnic conflict, has rejected t Minister Douglas Devananda for an interim council for the no December 22, 2007
• The Tamil National Alliance on December 25 vowed to ta government elections in the East on the ground that there is people to exercise their franchise freely and fairly. -Daily Mirro
• At least 40 Sea Tigers were killed and eleven of their boats d Craft, in a fierce sea battle which lasted for over six hours ne The Island of December 27, 2007
• Shell Gas Lanka on December 30 said it had got the approva price of a 12.5 kg cylinder by Rs 175 with effect from January 1488 from January 2. -Daily Mirror of December 31, 2007
Copyright © Social Indicator March 2008

Page Index
70
DECEMBER
the dragging conflict in Sri Lanka, and all countries need to encourage India and the European Union have said. - Daily Mirror of December
and minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, said in Parliament yesterday that therefore the Government would pursue the target of eradicating vironment.- The Island of December 05, 2007
out any chances of another ceasefire with the LTTE further isolating . -Daily Mirror of December 10,2007 general area west of Omanthai, with the current focus being the area old now under intense pressure. -The Island of December 10,2007
ils arrested in Colombo and its suburbs on December 1 and 2, are s, Deputy Inspector General of Police D. W. Prathapasinghe said on
ber 12, 2007 it limit to Sri Lanka for the purchase of military hardware by US$ e credit limit from Pakistan to Sri Lanka to US$80 million -Daily Mirror
der Rauff Hakeem broke ranks with the Government and joined the after quitting their ministerial portfolios. -Daily Mirror of December
8 Budget was comfortably won by the government with a majority of sion last evening. Daily Mirror of December 15, 2007 ss worker who was abducted from his home by unidentified gunmen 16, -Daily Mirror of December 18, 2007 up of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) on December 18 warned its role was e persistent disregard for its observations and recommendations by the f Inquiry. – Daily Mirror of December 19, 2007 f joint air exercises with neighbouring nuclear armed India to meet the ing, informed sources said. -Daily Mirror of December 20, 2007 remesinghe on December 20 said he would start a series of meetings ety groups within two weeks, to discuss the party’s proposals to amend
cember 21, 2007 ittee (APRC), which was assigned the task of working out a political nic conflict, has rejected the proposal put forward by EPDP leader and interim council for the northern and eastern provinces. -Daily Mirror of
ecember 25 vowed to take legal action against moves to hold local the ground that there is no conducive atmosphere in the province for ely and fairly. -Daily Mirror of December 26, 2007 d eleven of their boats destroyed, while the Navy lost one Fast Attack sted for over six hours near Delft Island, in Jaffna, on December 26. –
aid it had got the approval of the Consumer Authority to increase the 5 with effect from January 2. The new price of a cylinder would be Rs f December 31, 2007
008

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JANUARY
• UNP MP T. Maheswaran was shot on the morning o religious observances at the Ponnambala Waneswarar Te of January 2, 2008
• Cabinet decided on January 2 evening to withdraw Agreement -- two months before the completion of atrocities targeting innocent civilians. -Daily Mirror of Janu
• The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission said on January 3 it w the country on January 16- Daily Mirror of January 4, 200
• The LTTE's 'military' intelligence wing head, Shanmugana with three others following an ambush by military elite 2008
• President Mahinda Rajapaksa's top advisor on the pea scrapped an Oslo-brokered truce with Tamil Tiger rebels
• The Supreme Court on January 7 ordered that night se they were extremely essential and had reasonable basis. -
• A bomb claims the life of Nation Building, Non-Cabine officer. -Daily Mirror of January 9, 2008
• The All Party Representative Committee is to recom Amendment to the Constitution as a solution to the nat the prompt setting up of the North and East Provincial C
• Sri Lanka has been demoted at the UN Human Rights losing its powers to vote at the council. -Daily Mirror of Ja
• LTTE Batticaloa district military leader Shankar, was kille clash at Saukade in Batticaloa on January 9-Daily Mirror o
• A minor explosion took place inside the Fort railway sta least one person and damaging a staircase, police said. -D
• Japanese special peace envoy, Yasushi Akashi, who arriv three-day official visit to assess the current state of th received by the country might get stopped due to the 2008
• -Community Development Minister P Chandrasekaran improving the social, economic and educational condition -Daily Mirror of January 14, 2008
• Rice importers and traders warned on January 13 that ric the government gave approval to import stocks to arrest increased by Rs. 10-15 per kilo with some varieties bein Mirror of January 14, 2008
• The JVP on January 15 demanded that the govern Committee (APRC) while giving up the idea of discussing January 16, 2008
• Suspected LTTE cadres exploded a powerful claymor Moneragala January 16 morning killing at least 27 civilia civilians were shot dead by the LTTE a few kilometres a Claymore mine exploded at Galge along the Buttala-Kata four soldiers.- Daily Mirror of January 17, 2008
• A massive joint search operation has been launched by t Thanamalwila, Hambegamuwa, Kiriebbanara and Udawala LTTE pockets involved in the attack on civilians last week
•

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71
JANUARY
shot on the morning of January 1 while participating at New Year nnambala Waneswarar Temple at Kochchikade, Colombo -Daily Mirror
2 evening to withdraw from the Norwegian- brokered Ceasefire fore the completion of its sixth year -- citing the continuing LTTE lians. -Daily Mirror of January 3, 2008 on said on January 3 it would be terminating its monitoring activities in y Mirror of January 4, 2008
wing head, Shanmuganathan Ravishankar, alias Charles was killed along ambush by military elite forces in Mannar - Daily Mirror of January 7,
top advisor on the peace process quit today, after the government e with Tamil Tiger rebels.-Daily Mirror of January 7, 2008 y 7 ordered that night searches of houses should not be done, unless nd had reasonable basis. -Daily Mirror of January 8, 2008 ion Building, Non-Cabinet Minister, D. M. Dassanayake and his security 9, 2008
Committee is to recommend the full implementation of the 13th n as a solution to the national crisis, the Committee has recommended
rth and East Provincial Councils. -Daily Mirror of January 10, 2008 t the UN Human Rights Council from the ‘A’ category to the ‘B’, thus council. -Daily Mirror of January 10, 2008
leader Shankar, was killed by Special Task Force personnel following a
January 9-Daily Mirror of January 10, 2008 inside the Fort railway station around 7.35 pm on January 11 injuring at a staircase, police said. -Daily Mirror of January 12, 2008 Yasushi Akashi, who arrived in Sri Lanka on January 13 morning on a s the current state of the Peace Process, has hinted that foreign aid get stopped due to the prevailing situation-Daily Mirror of January 14,
nister P Chandrasekaran on January 13 urged India to intervene in and educational conditions of the ethnic Indian community in Sri Lanka. 8 ned on January 13 that rice prices were set to escalate till March unless to import stocks to arrest the trend. During the last few days, the prices with some varieties being priced at more than Rs. 100 per kilo. -Daily
anded that the government dissolve the All Party Representative g up the idea of discussing power devolution proposals. -Daily Mirror of
ded a powerful claymore mine targeting a crowded bus at Buttala, g killing at least 27 civilians and injuring 63 others while another five LTTE a few kilometres away from the blast. Two hours later another lge along the Buttala-Kataragama road targeting an Army truck, injuring nuary 17, 2008
n has been launched by the army, police and Special Task Force in the Kiriebbanara and Udawala areas in the Moneragala district to search for tack on civilians last week. Daily Mirror of January 20,2008
008

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• The price of a 400g pack of Highland milk powder has be to Rs. 230. - Daily Mirror of January 22, 2008
• The Supreme Court on January 21 ruled that the Local should be held. – The Island of January 22, 2008
• The Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) has been a the Elections Commissioner and will contest the upcom sources told the Daily Mirror on January 21. - Daily Mirro
• Minority parties, including the SLMC and the EPDP Representative Committee (APRC), on January 22 end introduce an ‘interim arrangement’ for the resolution o including the proposal to hold Provincial Council elec merged from the North in 2006. - Daily Mirror of January
• The government will establish the proposed interim co possible, with members being appointed in proportion governor will also be appointed to the Northern Province
• One political party and 10 independent groups had filed Batticaloa by noon January 23. - Daily Mirror of January 24
• Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan, alias Karuna Amman who was on January 25 sentenced to nine months jail by the Daily Mirror of January 26, 2008
• The SLTB and private buses will increase the basic bus National Transport Commission (NTC) announced on Ja
• The elections to nine local councils in the Batticaloa dist parties and 22 independent groups in the fray. The B nomination papers filed by the political parties and in rejected. -Daily Mirror of January 26, 2008
• An aircraft flying Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapak Jaffna came under intense LTTE artillery attack when it w 9.30 a.m. on January 28 and had to return to Colombo, h of January 29, 2008
• The government decided last evening to appoint a c Minister, to seek out ‘ways and means’ of implementing full Daily Mirror of January 31, 2008
FEBRUARY
• -Japan, Sri Lanka's top donor, warned it could cut off ai hoped to provide long-term support to bring peace. . -D
• Independence Day celebrations were marred by anothe on February 4 killing 15 people and injuring 17 -Daily Mirr
• The UNP charged on February 6 in Parliament that 28 abducted in the Eastern Province after nominations wer Mirror of February 7, 2008
• Sri Lanka has been ranked as the third deadliest place fo of Newspapers (WAN), a Paris based global organisation world-wide. -Daily Mirror of February 9, 2008
• Gampaha district parliamentarian and SLFP (Maha Sooriyaarachchi and three others were killed and two cr into a tree on February 9 afternoon at Medagama in the February 10, 2008

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hland milk powder has been increased by Rs. 35 bringing the new price ary 22, 2008 21 ruled that the Local Government elections in the Eastern Province January 22, 2008
ulikal (TMVP) has been accepted and registered as a political party by d will contest the upcoming polls in the East under the ‘boat’ symbol,
January 21. - Daily Mirror of January 22, 2008
SLMC and the EPDP, who are represented in the All Party RC), on January 22 endorsed the move by President Rajapaksa, to ent’ for the resolution of the ethnic conflict through the Committee, d Provincial Council elections for the Eastern Province that was de-
. - Daily Mirror of January 23, 2008 the proposed interim council for the Northern Province as soon as appointed in proportion to the ethnic composition of the province. A
to the Northern Province shortly. - Daily Mirror of January 24, 2008 pendent groups had filed nominations for the local government polls in
Daily Mirror of January 24, 2008 alias Karuna Amman who headed the LTTE breakaway faction TMVP, o nine months jail by the Isleworth Crown Court in West London,. -
ill increase the basic bus fare of Rs. 5 to Rs. 6 from February 1, the
(NTC) announced on January 25. -Daily Mirror of January 26, 2008 ncils in the Batticaloa district will be held on March 10 with six political roups in the fray. The Batticaloa Returning Officer had received 61 e political parties and independent groups, out of which nine were y 26, 2008 etary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Army Commander Sarath Fonseka to artillery attack when it was about to land at the Palaly Air base around to return to Colombo, highly placed Defence sources said. –The Island
evening to appoint a cabinet sub-committee, headed by the Prime means’ of implementing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 2008
FEBRUARY
arned it could cut off aid if violence continued to escalate, but said it port to bring peace. . -Daily Mirror of February 1, 2008
were marred by another claymore attack on a civilian bus in Welioya and injuring 17 -Daily Mirror of February 5, 2008 y 6 in Parliament that 28 persons including 12 candidates have been ce after nominations were called for the local council elections. -Daily
e third deadliest place for journalists in 2007 by the World Association based global organisation which defends and promotes media freedom ruary 9, 2008 arian and SLFP (Mahajana) wing National coordinator Sripathi rs were killed and two critically injured when his official vehicle, crashed oon at Medagama in the Anuradhapura district. –The Sunday Times of
008

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• Sri Lanka last night joined Russia and Serbia in rejecting t former Serbian state of Kosovo. –-Daily Mirror of Februar
• The Civil Society Organisations led by the Congress proposals for the government to implement the 17th Am February 18, 2008
• The government is to establish a ‘gateway’ for an expect facilitate the process by creating a ‘no war zone’, while c ongoing conflict. - Daily Mirror of February 19, 2008
• The main opposition UNP and the JVP slammed the arbitrary removal of Bribery Commission’s Director G February 22, 2008
• The United Nations on Thursday refused to comment on any announcement of a Unilateral Declaration of Indep publicly seeking international recognition for a state of Eel
• As the campaign for the Batticaloa Local Council elect activists involved in political work were killed and a civi blew himself up at Kaluwanchikudi in Batticaloa yesterday
• A crucial meeting between President Mahinda Rajapaks ended on a positive note yesterday, with the UNP lead jeopardize the government’s move to fully implement t interim measure, while seeking a lasting solution to the et
• The Congress of Religions, representing various religiou society, which met at the Abhayaramaya in Narahenpi Mahinda Rajapaksa urging him to reactivate the Const Mirror of February 28, 2008
• The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said on February 27 the negotiation table in the event of a positive announce process. TNA Jaffna district MP N. Srikantha told the D welcome if the announcement is accompanied by the goodwill. - Daily Mirror of February 28, 2008
MARCH
• A major LTTE operation in the city may have been foile high-powered explosives including two suicide jackets du after a suicide cadre blew himself up inside a house in t and injured seven people including a woman Sub Inspecto 2008
• Seven persons, including three Police personnel, were inju three-storey building at Mutwal as a joint Army and P morning. A Police sergeant, and a Woman Police Consta condition, at the National Hospital. – The Island of March
• The International Independent Group of Eminent Person in Sri Lanka saying it no longer saw how it could contribu human rights in Sri Lanka. - Daily Mirror of March 7, 2008
• The government yesterday said it would introduce a nati culture” in the country - but media groups rejected it w move to restrict media freedom. - Daily Mirror of March

Page Index
73
a and Serbia in rejecting the unilateral declaration of Independence by the . –-Daily Mirror of February 18, 2008
s led by the Congress of Religions have prepared a draft paper with o implement the 17th Amendment with immediate effect,– Daily Mirror of
a ‘gateway’ for an expected mass exodus of civilians from the Wanni and g a ‘no war zone’, while challenging the LTTE to leave civilians out of the
f February 19, 2008
the JVP slammed the government yesterday for what they called the ommission’s Director General Piyasena Ranasinghe. - Daily Mirror of
y refused to comment on the LTTE seeking statehood as it had not made eral Declaration of Independence (UDI) despite the LTTE political head
ognition for a state of Eelam. - Daily Mirror of February 23, 2008 caloa Local Council elections gathered momentum, at least two TMVP rk were killed and a civilian was wounded when an LTTE suicide cadre di in Batticaloa yesterday morning, -Daily Mirror of February 25, 2008 esident Mahinda Rajapaksa and opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe erday, with the UNP leader giving an assurance that his party would not ove to fully implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, as an
lasting solution to the ethnic issue.. - Daily Mirror of February 27, 2008 resenting various religious sectors, professional, business, legal and civil ayaramaya in Narahenpita, has addressed a memorandum to President to reactivate the Constitutional Council without further delay. - Daily
NA) said on February 27 said it could prevail upon the LTTE to return to nt of a positive announcement by the Government to resume the peace P N. Srikantha told the Daily Mirror yesterday that it was all the more t is accompanied by the re-opening on the A9 road as a gesture of
ary 28, 2008
MARCH
city may have been foiled following February 29 recovery of a cache of ing two suicide jackets during a search operation in Modera just minutes elf up inside a house in the area, police said. The blast killed the bomber ing a woman Sub Inspector and two constables. - Daily Mirror of March 1,
olice personnel, were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a l as a joint Army and Police search team closed in on him yesterday a Woman Police Constable injured in the blast were said to be in critical ital. – The Island of March 1, 2008 Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) has decided to terminate its operation aw how it could contribute further to the protection and enhancement of y Mirror of March 7, 2008
it would introduce a national media policy to create a “responsible media edia groups rejected it while the main opposition party charged it was a . - Daily Mirror of March 8, 2008
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• The historic Batticaloa local government election which voter turnout was marred by allegations of vote riggin rejection of some 200 voters who were turned back percent of eligible voters had exercised their franchise to 14 years. -- Daily Mirror of March 11, 2008
• A bomb exploded near the Roxy Cinema in Wellawatta including four school children. The injured were admitted The Island of March 11, 2008
• Six accused, including LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar in the Colombo March 12, 2008
• The government will hold the provincial council elec nominations will be called from March 27 to April 3, an March 13. - Daily Mirror of March 14, 2008
• The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the 17th the legislation shortly, including provisions for the existin after expiration of their term, until new members are app March 14, 2008
• The public inquiry into the killing of five youth in Trinco with a key witness claiming that a cabinet Minister had Colombo after accepting the security forces may have 2008
• Former Speaker, Foreign Minister, Opposition Leader Priyadarshi Solomon Dias Bandaranaike passed away on curtain on one of the most colourful political lives in po Mirror of March 17, 2008
• The violence unleashed against media persons continue Athugalpura and her husband Sirasa News Producer Sa their house was ransacked by an unidentified gang on Ma
• A key eyewitness on March 17 implicated the Special T Trincomalee and claimed that the doctors who treated the STF as the perpetrators of the crime in January 2006.
• The United States is to donate some US$ 220,000 wort Police to enhance the “critical capabilities of the security f Mirror of March 18, 2008
• The UNP and the JVP will contest the forthcoming Provin be held on May 10 to elect 37 members to the Coun North. - Daily Mirror of March 19, 2008
• With heightened military activities in the North, the D Special Task Force from more than ten camps in the East threatened areas in Welioya, police sources said. - Daily M
• The Indian Defence Ministry in its annual report to the In no military solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. - D
• Civil Monitoring Committee Convener and WPF leader M leading role in dealing with the ethnic conflict and the hu of March 22, 2008
• More than 50 LTTE cadres are believed to have been between the LTTE and the army in the areas of Manna after a lull of few days in the North-East battlefield due t of March 23, 2008

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vernment election which ended peacefully yesterday with a 56 percent allegations of vote rigging in some areas and dissatisfaction over the who were turned back due to identification issues. Overall some 56 ercised their franchise to elect representatives to nine local bodies after ch 11, 2008 xy Cinema in Wellawatta yesterday morning killing one and injuring six, he injured were admitted to the Colombo South Hospital, Kalubowila. –
der Velupillai Prabhakaran, were indicted for the assassination of former irgamar in the Colombo High Court on March 11.. - Daily Mirror of
e provincial council elections in the Eastern Province on May 10; March 27 to April 3, an official of the Elections Department said on ch 14, 2008
ittee (PSC) on the 17th Amendment is to suggest several revisions to provisions for the existing independent commissions to function even til new members are appointed. Chairman of the PSC, - Daily Mirror of
g of five youth in Trincomalee in 2006 took a new twist on March 14 at a cabinet Minister had contacted him and offered him a house in ecurity forces may have made a mistake. - Daily Mirror of March 15,
ter, Opposition Leader and the son of two Prime Ministers, Anura aranaike passed away on March 16 evening at the age of 59, closing the lourful political lives in post-independence history of Sri Lanka. - Daily
media persons continues unabated, with Lakbima journalist Sunethra irasa News Producer Sashi Kumara becoming the latest victims, when
unidentified gang on March 16. - Daily Mirror of March 17, 2008 implicated the Special Task Force (STF) in the killing of five youth in he doctors who treated him and the only other survivor had identified he crime in January 2006. - Daily Mirror of March 18, 2008 some US$ 220,000 worth of anti-terrorism equipment to the Sri Lanka apabilities of the security forces in their efforts to fight terrorism”. - Daily
est the forthcoming Provincial Council elections in the East, which are to 7 members to the Council created following its de-merger from the 19, 2008 ties in the North, the Defence Ministry has decided to withdraw the han ten camps in the East and Mannar, in order to deploy them in LTTE
lice sources said. - Daily Mirror of March 21, 2008 its annual report to the Indian parliament has reiterated there could be c conflict in Sri Lanka. - Daily Mirror of March 22, 2008 nvener and WPF leader Mano Ganesan has requested Canada to play a ethnic conflict and the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. - Daily Mirror
believed to have been killed along with five soldiers in fresh clashes y in the areas of Mannar, Weli Oya and Vavuniya over the weekend orth-East battlefield due to the continuing torrential rains. - Daily Mirror
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• The inquiry into the killing of 17 aid workers in Mutu yesterday when President’s Counsel Desmond Fernand confidential discussion with him said the Minister was aw said he no longer wished to participate in the Presiden Action Contra La Faim (ACF) workers because he was March 25, 2008
• British Parliamentarian Dr. Liam Fox, who is also the Sha country to seek a political consensus between the gov invitation extended by the Foreign Ministry. - Daily Mirror
• Against the backdrop of Sri Lanka procuring arms from Narayanan has voiced displeasure over it saying it would the region. - Daily Mirror of March 28, 2008
• The main opposition UNP yesterday vowed to launch government ‘henchman’ is appointed to the Parliamen General Priyani Wijesekera retires on Monday. Daily Mirr
• The government will soon enact a Bill providing Assista Witnesses, the Cabinet spokesman said on March 28. M conference the Cabinet had given its approval to presen national interest. - Daily Mirror of March 29, 2008
• Sri Lanka faces the risk of getting poorer both in the sho and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) 2008 2008
• The SLMC would contest the first ever election to the well informed sources said.They had reached an unders The Island of March 31, 2008
• Several constructive proposals mooted by the Central Co unanimously approved at the 18th convention of the SL President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday.- The Daily News
APRIL
• The International Independent Group of Eminent Person help Sri Lanka improve its deteriorating human rights reco
• Even as the Commission of Inquiry hearings into the killin (ACF) continued this week a highly controversial repo conclusion into the incident and goes to the extent of Mirror of April 1, 2008
• JVP politburo has suspended Propaganda Secretary W immediate effect. – Daily Mirror of April 5, 2008

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17 aid workers in Mutur in August 2006 took an unexpected turn unsel Desmond Fernando allegedly claimed a Cabinet Minister in a said the Minister was aware who the perpetrators were. Mr. Fernando articipate in the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the killing of workers because he was privy to such information. - Daily Mirror of
Fox, who is also the Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, is in the sensus between the government and opposition parties, following an ign Ministry. - Daily Mirror of March 26, 2008
ka procuring arms from Pakistan, India’s National Security Adviser M K re over it saying it would "compromise" India's pre-eminent position in rch 28, 2008 sterday vowed to launch a series of daily protests in Parliament if a ointed to the Parliamentary Secretary General’s post after Secretary es on Monday. Daily Mirror of March 28, 2008 ct a Bill providing Assistance and Protection to Victims of Crime and an said on March 28. Minister Anura Priyadharsana Yapa told a media en its approval to present the Bill in parliament as an urgent Bill in the of March 29, 2008 ng poorer both in the short and long term, according to the Economic he Pacific (ESCAP) 2008 in its 60th report. - Daily Mirror of March 31,
first ever election to the Eastern Provincial Council on the UNP ticket, y had reached an understanding on an agreement, the sources said. –
ooted by the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party were 8th convention of the SLFP, at Temple Trees under the patronage of sterday.- The Daily News of March 31, 2008
APRIL
roup of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) yesterday relinquished its mandate to iorating human rights record. -Daily Mirror of April 1, 2008 uiry hearings into the killing of 17 aid workers of Action Contre la Faim highly controversial report due to be released today draws its own d goes to the extent of naming the perpetrators of the crime. -Daily
Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa`s party membership with
of April 5, 2008
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Annex
District sample (weighted) distribution in March 2008
DISTRICT TO Colombo Gampaha Kalutara Kandy Matale Nuwara Eliya Galle Matara Hambantota Batticaloa Ampara Trincomalee Kurunegala Puttalam Anuradhapura Polonnaruwa Badulla Monaragala Ratnapura Kegalle NATIONAL 1
Ethnic sample (weighted) distribution in March 2008
ETHNICITY TO Sinhala 1 Tamil Muslim 1 Up-Country Tamil 2 NATIONAL 1

dex
Annex
ution in March 2008
TOTAL 207 197 98 120 40 66 92 71 49 47 56 32 132 64 68 33 73 37 94 72 1644
tion in March 2008
TOTAL 1120 97 183 244 1644
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Peace Confidence Index Top-line Results
Sampling Methodology
Given that the goal of the Peace Confidence Index (PCI) s in public confidence levels on war, peace and governanc study be conducted repetitively with equal pauses during t February 2004, PCI was conducted bi-monthly, howeve decided to conduct the study quarterly to make the PCI mo
The study is conducted using a structured questionnaire t approximately 1800 respondents during each phase of the capture the minimum ethnic diversity within the span of te undeniable that an individual’s opinion on the peace pro factors, the ethnic factor, which is the most important and i been accommodated in this model. Data can also be disa gender, party loyalty and district.
The total sample is distributed amongst 20 administrat excluding the North and East provinces due to the escala to the survey. The sample size assigned to each strat population proportions. However, some districts are o heterogeneity but the over sampling biases are eliminated is allocated to a particular ethnicity within a district only particular ethnicity exceeds 9%. A Divisional Secretaria sampling unit using the Simple Random Sampling tech Divisions (GND) in a DS are selected randomly as the s ‘Grama Niladhari Divisions of Sri Lanka 1996’ published Statistics as the sample frame.
To maintain the quality of the fieldwork and ensure a m within a DS, enumerators are allowed to conduct a max GND. Within a given GND, the enumerator is advised to s proceed with interviews using the random walk (right hand the random selection of households.In the case of urban ar skip a house while selecting the households, thus resulti every alternative household. As the final sampling unit, t household using the ‘KISH’ grid thus ensuring that each equal chance of being selected to the PCI sample.The subject to a 3% error margin with a .95 confidence level. It the PCI model does not support the regional level analysis
Special Methodological Note:
The Tamil Community from the district of Colombo and t Country Tamil communities from the Eastern province w sampling technique. This method of sampling was us prevailing in the country. Accordingly, the enumerators we household by virtue of the ease with which it was accessib in this report that reference the Tamil community canno representative of the entire Tamil population in Sri Lanka.

dex
nfidence Index (PCI) study is to measure the fluctuations peace and governance over time it is essential that the equal pauses during the study. Hence, from May 2001 to d bi-monthly, however, from March 2005 onwards, SI rly to make the PCI more efficient.
uctured questionnaire that is administered to a sample of ring each phase of the study. This sample is adequate to ty within the span of ten days of fieldwork. Although it is ion on the peace process is influenced by a number of e most important and influential, is the sole factor that has Data can also be disaggregated according to age group,
ongst 20 administrative districts (strata) of Sri Lanka, ces due to the escalation of violence in the months prior ssigned to each stratum is approximately equal to the some districts are over sampled due to the ethnic biases are eliminated by weighting the sample. A sample within a district only if the population proportion of that Divisional Secretariat (DS) is selected as the primary andom Sampling technique while the Grama Niladhari ted randomly as the secondary sampling unit using the Lanka 1996’ published by the Department of Census and
work and ensure a maximum dispersion of the sample ed to conduct a maximum of ten interviews a day in a merator is advised to select a starting point randomly and ndom walk (right hand rule) technique in order to assure .In the case of urban areas, the interviewer is instructed to ouseholds, thus resulting in the interview-taking place at final sampling unit, the respondent is chosen from the us ensuring that each member of the household has an the PCI sample.The PCI national level estimates are .95 confidence level. It is noteworthy to mention here that regional level analysis at the same level of precision.
trict of Colombo and the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Up e Eastern province were sampled using a “convenient” of sampling was used due to the security situation y, the enumerators were instructed to select the particular which it was accessible. Thereby, the results presented amil community cannot be generalised as they are not pulation in Sri Lanka.
008
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