The Island newspaper has reported that the US government recommended the Sri Lankan government to acquire cluster bombs, to strengthen the army against the LTTE.
An “authoritative official” told the paper that the recommendation was made soon after the ceasefire agreement was signed in 2002 and claimed that the government refrained from obtaining the cluster ammunition, although it did not sign up to the convention outlawing the bombs.
According to the official, the Sri Lankan military did possess the ability to use cluster ammunition, such as Israeli Kfirs, Russian MiG 27s and Chinese F7s.
The recommendations are reported to have been made by the US Pacific Command, following a study conducted in 2002.
Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetileke also said to The Island that the air force never used cluster bombs, although it possessed the capability to launch attacks.
Catholic bishops want international probe into chemical weapon and cluster bomb use (10 Jan 2014)
Cluster bombs found in Sri Lanka, UN expert says - BBC (26 Apr 2012)
De-miners locate remains of cluster bomb in Ki'linochchi - TamilNet (21 Mar 2012)
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