Tit-for-tat

Insiders say Air Force officials deployed for duty at the Bandaranaike International Airport carried out body searches on Customs officials coming for duty.

Days later, at least three SLAF officials returning after a study tour abroad, are reported to have been subjected to a thorough body search by Customs men.

President Kumaratunga learnt of the incidents during a top level conference on airport security last week.

Probe on assets

This follows allegations that he had acquired wealth which was not commensurate with his income and earnings.

At least 16 files relating to transactions carried out by the officer in question has been sought and obtained from Army Headquarters by the Commission.

Unfavourable travel advisory

It has now warned against stopping over in Colombo even on transit.

Large number of British tourists transit through Colombo for holiday in the Maldives.

under review

Already 11 Air Force personnel including Base Commander Air Commodore R.A. Ananda and two other officers are under interdiction.

But in the Sri Lanka Navy, insiders say, punishment meted out to personnel against whom a Court of Inquiry had made indictments have come under review.

One senior official has been named as the one man team to ascertain how to relax punishment already meted out.

At least two Majors General were among Army officers who were compulsorily retired over the same debacles in the Wanni in November, 1999.

A top rung Navy official was among those in the Court of Inquiry that probed the string of debacles.

The billion dollar question is whether the new move will set a precedent. Even those who may get indicted for the July 24 Black Tiger attacks will also be lucky. Whatever punishment meted out to them could also come under review later.

Why not refrain from punishing them for any wrong they do ? That might save time on conducting reviews. So much for public accountability. Who cares !!!!

Rajpal Abeynayake's Column

Editorial/ Opinion Contents