What's Velu's role once peace dawns

My Dear Velu,

I thought of writing to you because everyone seems to like you now and they are even having cut-outs of you in the South-even though you are technically still a criminal wanted for mass murder.

So, Velu, there appears to be some suggestions that you are at long last coming to the negotiating table. We all want to believe that, but then, past experience tells us to be cautious and not be too optimistic.

Of course there were reports that you were not becoming any younger and that even Bala was not in the best of health, so you were agreeing to talk peace. Then there is the other favourite theory that all peace talks ha-ho is yet another attempt to lie low for a while only to strike even more ferociously. After all, it is not even a year since you ordered the attack on Katunayake, isn't it?

But of course, we are a generous people and everyone is saying that we must let bygones be bygones. And the Green Man is touring the northern countryside in the company of Uncle Sam's dignitaries and so everybody is dancing to the peace tune. This time, they say, chances have been brighter than ever before but then we have heard that before, haven't we?

I think even you will give credit to the Green Man for what he has done so far. He certainly has come a long way since he was seen as a leader who wanted to hand over that part of the country to you and ended up being blamed for it and eventually lost the Presidential election, due in no small measure to that bomb you exploded at Town Hall.

And what's more, not only is he dealing with you on one side, he is also effectively countering the Lady who has been reduced to writing letters to everyone complaining about this, that and the other. One feels sorry for her too, now that even her presence in Parliament is being hotly challenged, just because they can't find a seat for her!

But one thing really baffles me, Velu and that is what you would do if and when this so-called peace dawns. Of course it depends on what the Green Man offers you but it is really hard to imagine you as the Chief Minister of the Northern Province. After all, Chief Ministers are dime a dozen these days, isn't it?

But you must certainly be careful, Velu. Remember, even five-star generals can get arrested on charges of murder and tried in the courts of law. But of course, if that happens, you could always say that you have chest pain and get admitted to the Merchant's Ward!

Who knows, Satellite may even want you as her Police Chief because she seems to think that she has no faith in the police to conduct elections. And since Satellite says that her security is being threatened as a result, she might as well put you in charge of her security-after all, you seem to know its lapses best!

But really, Velu, I suppose all this talk about peace and what could happen then is rather premature, isn't it? My bets are on yet another peace dream that becomes a nightmare-though I hope that I will be proved wrong.

Yours truly,

Punchi Putha.

PS- But really, Velu, whatever you decide to do, there are other jobs that simply musn't be taking on-like accepting a cabinet portfolio. Why, they wouldn't even allow your wife to attend the swearing-in, probably because the wives of some ministers are said to be doing a bit of swearing on their own!