Bombshell

A top runger in the Ministry of Interior dropped a bombshell last week.

This was when he met a member of the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) run by the Army's Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI).

The subject turned to the raid by Kandy Police on the Athurugiriya Safe House, base for LRRP operations.

"It was your own fellows who tipped off the Police," declared the top runger. So what do you expect them to do, he asked in a remark that highlighted it was the handiwork of a frustrated group within.

The Interior Ministry is now awaiting a final report from the Police to make a public statement on the issue. In the meanwhile, Defence Minister, Tilak Marapana, told a news conference last week "…. I made an inquiry and I was satisfied that nothing outside the Army procedures were carried out…"

At least until the formal statement arrives, the campaign to disprove Mr. Marapana's assertions may continue.

Telltale jeep

How did a brand new Defender Jeep belonging to a service arm of the State become a part of a fleet of campaign vehicles for a politician in the hills ?

Some embarrassing documents including fuel coupons have come to the fore to tell the tale.

This is after the boss responded by saying "no" to a Defence Ministry query asking for lists of vehicles that may have been deployed for election work by politicians.

Home comforts

PA strong man and former Deputy Defence Minister, Gen. Anuruddha Ratwatte, is now undergoing treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo. This is after he was produced before the Teldeniya Magistrate who ordered that he be remanded. From the Welikade Prison, he was transferred to the hospital to undergo treatment. He was in good spirits reading newspapers and watching television. He wanted his household staff to change the small TV set in the hospital to a bigger one. He also telephoned home to order special food – koonisso, pol sambol and string hoppers.

VIP palmist

A female astrologer from the suburbs of Colombo, fondly referred to by the top man in uniform as Meniyo, has found her name among the VIP invitees list for official functions. She was among those who was on board a special flight to a special function. Little wonder, she received VIP treatment for she even read the boss' palm during the visit.