New spy bosses
Some old hands and completely new faces are among those billed to take
over top rung positions in the country's leading intelligence agencies.
Billed for the top post of Director General is Merril Gunaratne, a veteran
intelligence officer who was once Director General of Intelligence and
Security (DGIS) in the Ministry of Defence.
His stint as DIG has included the role of Commandant, Special Task Force,
the commando arm of the Police. After retirement, he authored a book on
his experiences.
Newcomers include those who have not served a stint in intelligence
services but are closely associated with the UNF leadership. Insiders say
a proposal to merge the domestic intelligence arm, Directorate of Internal
Intelligence (DII) with the external agency, Directorate of Foreign Intelligence
(DFI) is also under consideration.
The role of other intelligence agencies is also being examined.
Private snoopers
Security advisors to the United National Front have embarked on a discreet
probe. They want to ascertain whether any state security agency, other
than the one officially authorised, has been using devices to intercept
telephone conversation or, in other words, tap telephones.
The move followed reports that a VIP protection unit had the facility
to do so. But no hard evidence of such activity has surfaced, say intelligence
sources.
Urea demand
Tiger guerrillas, now allowed free access to security forces controlled
areas, both in the Wanni and the east, are not only extorting money from
businessmen but have embarked on a buying spree.
Helped by civilians who support them, they are not only buying up power
generators and motor cycles. Several shop owners say there is a heavy draw
on urea, on the grounds that they were required by farmers.
However, the heavy draw on stocks has prompted security authorities
to fear large amounts are being obtained to manufacture land mines.
Rip off
The walls and even ceilings of the official residence of a once powerful
Cabinet Minister, who lived under heavy protection, are empty. There are
no wall lamps or fans. Only pieces of wire hang out.
The new incumbent was to remark that his predecessor had removed them
on the grounds that they were his personal belongings.
Ever heard of one's own personal funds being used to instal expensive
electric fittings and fans to an official residence ?
Well, the modest newcomer does not want to raise issue. |
