One shot rehearsal

As preparations for the event were under way, a loud explosion rent the air. 

The boss of VVIP security was so shaken he ran for cover. He immediately ordered counter measures. His men took cover and road blocks came into place. Other orders went out on the hot lines.

It took a while to discover the reasons for all the commotion. The Army's artillery men were rehearsing for yesterday's State funeral. The loud explosion was a test firing for the 21 gun salute.

When the security boss heard this, he was very relieved. But he asked the test firing to be called off immediately.

He did not want any more headaches for his boys. So the Army ended up testing only one round on Friday.

No to interviews

The ICRC has pointed out that the move was contrary to the Geneva Convention since the surrendees were classed as prisoners of war.

But two internationally reputed publications had already run stories on confessions made by the girls – The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune.

Early this week, another foreign media team taken on a conducted tour of Jaffna, after they successfully appealed to President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kuma-ratunga, were also to interview the girls. But they were told of the ICRC ruling.

One Army source said the ICRC Secretariat in Geneva had lodged a written protest with the Government over the interviews published so far.

Keeping an eye

And now, the stalwarts are awaiting their portfolios, foreign postings and the fulfilment of the other promises made.

But some in the hierarchy were still vary. 

Will there be a change? Will those who agreed to forge ahead under a new regime renege on their promises? Will they talk to rival groups again?

These were among the questions that worried them. So much so, snoopers have been called in to monitor their movements and what they say.

Rajpal Abeynayake's Column 

Editorial/ Opinion Contents