Outside Politics

6th December 1998

Audience with Sai Baba

The need to extend bi-partisan politics in foreign affairs to domestic affairs is undoubtedly the need of the hour.

Earlier this week the not-so-young Prince Charming, Anura Bandaranaike (turns 50 next February) was to speak in Parliament on the votes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It was to be his 21st such speech in 21 years in the House.

Unable to wait to hear the Minister’s reply later that day, Anura Bandaranaike sent the minister a note saying he will not be able to extend the courtesy of listening to him.

The note came back across the floor of the House to Anura Bandaranaike . “My dear Anura.

It’s good to see you looking good.” The Minister had penned, no doubt a reference to Anura Bandaranaike’s recent visit to the doctor’s for a medical check-up.

Fot the third time, the note went across the floor, from Anura Bandaranaike to Lakshman Kadirgamar. “Wish you all the very best “ etc. Parliamentary democracy at its best, and mind you, there was no need for a Fox or a Fatchett initiative.

By the way for those who are wondering where Anura Bandaranaike had to rush off to. Well, it was for yet another audience with His Holiness Sai Baba.

What luxury!

They are still talking in London about the antics of our comfort loving politico. He had to break journey there for a few hours before taking a connecting flight to the African continent. Perhaps the VIP lounge at Heathrow would have been the best place.

But our man did not like it. He insisted on a hotel. So they booked him up for four hours, of all places, at the Dorchester Hotel !! What luxury !!

They ask whether he wanted Dorchester because of some affinity with Brunei’s Sultan al Bolkiah, the owner, they ask. Who knows.

Major one

The young Ali Baba warned his boss. ‘Don’t let the greens believe that there would be a provincial husting. That’s only a red herring. Prepare for the major one,’ was the advice.

Jungle Telegraph

Editorial/Opinion Contents