The Jungle Telegraph

The Iraq war in Colombo
The war in Iraq is having its own repercussions in Colombo.
Police and Security Forces were called in to provide security to the diplomatic missions and residences of personnel in Colombo of the Coalition, particularly United States, United Kingdom and Australia. This was just before the two week long war began.

Last week, joining in the request for security for their mission and residences of personnel was the Embassy of the Russian Federation. They gave the local authorities two reasons - criticism against Russia for reportedly selling "sensitive military equipment" to Iraq and Moscow's plans to send in humanitarian relief to Iraqi people. The request was granted. Then came what seemed to be the last request. It was from the Embassy of Iraq in Colombo.

"You have provided security to all of them. What about us. We are the ones who are getting attacked," a diplomat told a high ranking Police official. Security arrangements were promptly made.

Duty Free privileges
One need not pass through the Bandaranaike International Airport to avail themselves of duty free facilities available there. Not if they knew the right man.
Last week, an influential businessman wanted to purchase a pair of sun glasses.
He approached the right man who ordered one of his juniors to take the businessman to any one of the shops he liked.
With US $ 300 in his pocket, the man went in. When he returned, he was wearing a pair of designer sun glasses. Some are indeed privileged !!

Human rights and wrongs
A man in uniform complained to Supreme Court that his fundamental right was violated when he was overlooked, despite being qualified, to follow a course in a foreign country. His complaint was upheld and the Court made the order accordingly.

Then came the biggest shock for him. His bosses recommended him for the very next course in the same country but their diplomatic mission in Colombo rejected his nomination.

The reason ? Well, he defied discipline and took his superiors to Courts.
The superiors were in a dilemma. They got out of it by bringing the matter to the attention of the Supreme Court.
The next most suitable man won a place.

Building houses with official funds?
Were funds meant to pay civilian staff at the Bandaranaike International Airport go into the pocket of an Air Force junior level officer ? Did he use it for building a private house?

This is the question baffling top brass after a discrepancy of over two million rupees from SLAF funds meant to pay civilian employees was detected. Though the approved civilian cadre was said to be 25, the strength had exceeded 40.

A conscientious senior officer is said to have discovered the alleged fraud.
The SLAF has now reported the matter to the Ministry of Defence and is awaiting instructions.

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