Jungle Telegraph

26th July 1998

It's a reward

The Ministry of De fence has vetoed a move by Police Chief, W.B. Rajaguru, for six "translators" to accompany a Police team to the United States for a two month's course on how to handle explosives.

The Police Department called for applications from those wanting to take part in the course. They were later hand picked by Mr. Rajaguru himself and includes Inspectors, Sergeants and Constables.

Six others from the service had also been picked to go as "translators" but the MoD grounded them since it felt the task could well be accomplished with the help of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington D.C.

Some top cops are asking how one of the members of the team, who earned the wrath of a PA politician and was transferred out of his area, also found a place. "What's wrong. Its a reward for the hard work he has done," commented one wag in uniform.

No night calls

Officers and men in the Wanni battle areas have been banned from travelling to their tactical headquarters in the night to make telephone calls. They could do so only during day time.

The move followed an incident early this week where an officer and two soldiers were killed.

They had travelled in an armoured vehicle in the night to the TAC headquarters to make a phone call home.

Bald truth

Who had been leaking reports about top brass of the khakied gentry to the media, particularly to a Sinhala Sunday weekly ?

While a top level probe was under way, one senior man turned to a soothsayer who came up with the answer. It was a bald man who wore uniform.

At first glance, the description tallied with two among the many "suspects." Upon "close examination", one was found to be not that bald. The other was !!

They now say the "bald" man has received marching orders.

The joke at headquarters is that its "Erashthraka" (or malefic) these days for those who are bald. That seems to be the bald truth !!

For paupers

In between flights, a regular Sri Lankan flier was take a stroll along the streets of Bangkok when he ran into a one time big boss and his better half.

Even before he could ask, he was told they were on the lookout for furniture !!

Looks like our teak, nedun, ebony and jack furniture are no good for comfort. Perhaps they are meant more for the paupers !!

Off to China

Will Deputy Defence Minister, Gen. Anuruddha Ratwatte, miss all the pomp and pageantry of the SAARC summit next week.

He is now on an unpublicised visit to the People's Republic of China.

Special Assignment

Editorial/Opinion Contents