According to a representative of the High Commission for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Ottawa, the grama sevaka is the lowest ranking government-paid official within the government administration and has become the successor to the unpaid village headman elected by members of respected families in the village before the independance of Sri Lanka (20 Dec. 1994). The representative stated that, in the past, special service officers and agricultural officers within government were absorbed into the grama sevaka service. Today, people from outside the public service can apply for grama sevaka positions and submit to an examination (ibid.). The grama sevaka is responsible for the application of government regulations at the village level (ibid.). Among other duties, the grama sevaka hands-over subsidies to the village on the government's behalf, and draws up both the civil list of all the families in the village and the electoral list (ibid.).

Information on whether grama sevaka are allowed to operate freely by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan army is currently unavailable to the DIRB in Ottawa. According to reports available to the DIRB, village headmen have been killed either by guerilla groups or anti-subversion squads (UPI 12 Feb. 1989; Xinhua 6 Jan. 1989).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to
be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

High Commission for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Ottawa. 20 December 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

The United Press International (UPI). 12 February 1989. BC Cycle. Iqbal Athas. "Pre-Electoral Violence in Sri Lanka Leaves 43 People Dead." (NEXIS)

The Xinhua General Overseas News Service. 6 January 1989. "Violence Continues in Sri Lanka." (NEXIS)

The United Press International (UPI). 12 February 1989. BC Cycle. Iqbal Athas. "Pre-Electoral Violence in Sri Lanka Leaves 43 People Dead." (NEXIS)

The Xinhua General Overseas News Service. 6 January 1989. "Violence Continues in Sri Lanka." (NEXIS)