Outside Politics

24th May 1998

Suharto's resignation

Post AirLanka debate there were lots of bouquets for Opposition Leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe, when members of the Kotte- Homagama cluster met to map out strategy in the area for a future poll.

An elated Mr. Wickremesinghe remarked "Eygollo Illang Keva." Loosely translated, that meant "they asked for it."

As the discussion continued, it turned to dictatorial presidents and events in Indonesia. One speaker pointed out that despite pressures from students, parliament, the United States and the International Monetary Fund, President Suharto had remained in office.

Why then should he step down ?

Pat came the answer from the UNP leader. "He learnt that a Sri Lankan ex-judge who was in Jarkata was going to head a Commission of Inquiry against him. Suharto resigned immediately, the story went.

Where did they go?

The tactics and strategies of a strong arm politico did not work, at least in this case.

At first he wanted the goon squad to surrender and declare they went to the wrong house looking for lassies.

When that failed, he approached a political colleague and wanted him to declare at the briefing that the goons had mistaken the scribes abode for a brothel.

The colleague turned colour.

"How can I come out with such a ridiculous statement. People will laugh at us," he had exhorted.

And now comes the news that a lot of bakshish are being thrown around!!

All these seem part of measures which are short cuts to a badly needed victory !!

Flowers and tyres

A poster on a wall in Kandy said "Paravuna Mal Nevatha Pipey" (wilted flowers bloom again).

A wag thought it wise to add a one liner. It said "Parana tayar thavama thibei" (old tyres were still available). If the first suggested a resurgence of subversion, the second line warned of the consequence.

Like once before, burning tyre pyres would be the remedy.

Jungle Telegraph

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