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Tamed asses
Some weeks ago, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, ordered a probe into who leaked Pentagon secrets to The Washington Post. This was over US military preparations against Iraq.

Such probe over leak of military information is not something that occurs only in the world's super power. It occurs in many countries.

In little Sri Lanka, it has come about many a time, but with an added difference - censorship being imposed periodically to keep away information from the public and thus avoid the embarrassment caused to the Government in power.

Nearly two decades ago, then Defence Secretary, the late General Sepala Attygalle, a man who like his predecessors and immediate successors, upheld the decorum, dignity and honour of that office, summoned a scribe to MoD for tea.

During a conversation that centered on many a subject, he asked politely "I say, tell me who is giving you all the information…." The scribe smiled and replied, equally politely, that he could not divulge his sources. The effervescent soldier turned bureaucrat shot back "I say, every b….r thinks I am giving you all this…"

The scribe responded, somewhat jocularly, "…its always good to be accused after giving out something. So why not give something good…"

The late Gen. Attygalle's reply, in typical military fashion, though humorous, cannot be printed.

There were others in power who did not believe in friendly persuasion. They used many unconventional methods. They went looking for houses on rent close to where scribes lived. That was to position spies to monitor activity. There were men on motorcycles who followed, even to cul de sacs. They snooped on conversations, mounted surveillance and even let loose goon squads whilst those in the Opposition cried foul. It is different when they are in power.

But the scribes, or wild asses, as some like to call them, continued. When one came out with a scoop, the other made up later. Healthy competition flourished.

But things seem to be changing. Some of the tamed asses are badly upset the wild asses are getting all the scoops and getting them right. Not to be left out, it is they who have now taken up a new and unusual assignment to guess on sources, something wild asses never did. Seems they are green with envy if not seething with jealousy. Sour grapes !!!

Sabotage at 'kovil'
The sleuths who snoop have nick named it the "kovil." Not because the room, filled with European made electronic devices, in a secure building, only a stone's throw away from the museum, is so holy.

A witty one gave that name only because the pealing of temple bells reminded him of telephones ringing , I mean the land lines, and not the programmed melodies on cellular phones.

Not a bad code name for a "shrine" from where snoopers learn who tells what to whom. They can range from harmless love affairs to political plots, intrigues or political opponents to something that is sacrosanct to media personnel, their sources.

The "kovil" has remained shut since December, last year. Only once were the doors open to tidy up the place in the wake of a ministerial visit.

Last week, sleuths spoke in whispers about a move to re-commence activity in the "kovil." They say the "boss" summoned the expert snooper, gave him the keys and asked him to go ahead with the task. Needless to say he would have heard what some politicians and media men, those now considered "not so patriotic," had to say.
Alas, the snooper found he could not put the equipment together. Whoever disconnected them had caused damage. Now, they are checking to see whether it was sabotage.

This is whilst attempts are being made to repair the damage. They say expert help is being sought.

As one wag said, do all the talking now. That is before the bug gets in.

Breaching MoD security
Police and Army top brass gathered for a conference on City security at the Ministry of Defence the previous Friday chuckled when they heard it.

Defence Secretary Austin Fernando, who chaired the meeting, emphasised the need for vigilance to ensure security in the City is not compromised.

The example he cited - three visitors to the MoD had entered without going through security formalities.

Whilst Mr. Fernando paused to answer his cellular phone, a regular chore at conferences, one top cop asked a senior Army officer "what can we do about MoD intrusions." Security there is his (Defence Secretary's) job, he added. Others chuckled.

Threats to EPDP

By the time the Oslo conference is over, half the members of the EPDP (Eelam People's Democratic Party), will be finished.

That quotable quote came from its leader, Douglas Devananda, at a conference last Friday at the Presidential Secretariat chaired by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. .

Attended by Ministers Tilak Marapana, John Amaratunga and representatives of the SLMM, it was held to review security in the north-east.

Mr. Devananda's remarks came when EPDP leaders raised issue over the alleged grenade attack on their office at Chavakachcheri. President Kumaratunga had suggested that the difficulties faced by the EPDP be raised by the Government at the upcoming Oslo meeting.

President's security
Seventy seven People's Alliance Parliamentarians have signed an unusual petition to President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

They are urging her to curtail public appearances and enhance her security in view of possible threats to her life.

Error
There was an error in these columns last week where references were made to Kandula. The baby elephant is the regimental mascot of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry and not the Sinha Regiment.

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