The Fifth Column

6th September 1998

Parading on horse back

Friday - The Daily Noise doesn't seem to know its limits. It's true that we sacked the former Boss and got one of our people installed there but that doesn't mean that they should carry two of my pictures on the front page day after day. And, worst of all, the picture shows me seated next to a beaming Anu, hinting that he is very much the No.2 in the team. Poor G.L must have got a rude shock, coming so soon after we appointed him organiser for Colombo East and he did a great job pasting his face on all the dustbins and walls of the city. I must ask the 'Noise' to carry G.L. on the front page tomorrow.

Saturday - The Top Cop who is due to retire on Monday appears to want an extension. He has sent several messengers including some ministers who spoke to me hinting at an extension for the Guru. But I asked all of them, how he could continue in office, when he cannot stand at attention for a few hours without fainting. Some of them even wanted a diplomatic post for him but I told them the Diplomatic Corps should not be a home for retiring generals and police officers...

Sunday - Poor Fowzie is down with a heart attack, so I went to see him. I only hoped the doctors don't take revenge on him for all the trouble he gave them, but he says they treated him well. But it was I who nearly had a heart attack when I bumped into Mallo when I was visiting Fowzie. But I managed to just say 'Hello' and get away. Or else, the newspapers will say he's trying to join the government..

Monday - Getting ready for this Non-Aligned Summit in South Africa, and meeting Mandela and the crowd. Kadi and Bala are accompanying me. It's going to be a long trip, I guess.

I heard the cricket team has beaten England in the Test Match. Quickly phoned a message of congratulations. If Arjuna's team starts winning again it is good for us because we can postpone even the general election and no one will take any notice. Must tell S.B. to find another Murali if he can.

Tuesday - The Summit day in Durban. This is so different from SAARC. There, I was the centre of attraction and everyone was falling over each other to please me. Here I'm almostone among hundreds of leaders, some of whom do not remember where our country is. Even those who do seem to remember Amma rather than me!

Thursday - Anu never ceases to amaze me. He has gone to the Police Day, representing me as Acting Defence Minister, and inspected the Guard of Honour on horse-back! He must be thinking he is Prince Charles or something. What bothers me is whether people will expect me to do the same thing, next time. Anyway, down here in Durban, Bala has got hold of a picture of Anu on horseback and was having a good laugh over it. I asked him what the joke was and he says it is all a matter of identification!

Rajpal Abeynayake's Column

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