Jungle Telegraph

21st March 1999

Sudden trip

Military circles in the sacred city of Anuradhapura are buzzing with the story of a sudden trip Joint Operations Bureau (JOB) Chairman, retired General Rohan de S Daluwatte made last Thursday.

He arrived by aircraft on Thursday evening and stayed overnight at a leading hotel.

By Friday morning, he took a flight back to Colombo.

It was only two days before (Tuesday) that Deputy Defence Minister, Anuruddha Ratwatte, the three service commanders and the Inspector General of Police visited Anuradhapura for a top level conference. Gen. Daluwatte was a noticeable absentee that day.

Senior officials only know that he sought and obtained an Army car for a few hours after he arrived.

What was his official engagement ? Or was there any ?

The guessing game goes on.

One source said the whistle stop tour was to see a female astrologer, one popularly known as Maniyo. Even if Gen. Daluwatte wanted to see what portends in the weeks and months ahead, at least astrologically, there was no confirmation of the report. Moreover, one would not expect him to fly for such a rendezvous.

A stickler for auspicious times, Gen. Daluwatte launched the JOB at an auspicious hour on January 6, 1999. Yet, many an inauspicious thing seems to plague the JOB.

Last month, the JOB sent out a circular to Army, Navy and Air Force Headquarters asking them to send details of persons in operational areas who received relief from Government Agents.

They were also called upon to provide details of persons arrested during the month.

The circular said '…. it is kindly requested that the undermentioned details be submitted to this HQ on or before 30 Feb. 99 as per the attached details'

Ever heard of a February 30 ?

Wrong chalet

The top man who took charge of a base not far off from the City wanted to have a bash from a luxury chalet located in an idyllic, palm fringed area. He invited not only his buddies but the boss too.

It was only when the boss arrived for the party did he discover that all was not well.

The top man had not moved into the chalet that is meant for him.

It was the boss' chalet, one meant for use even by visiting VIP or VVIPs, when they needed a place to relax and spend time between engagements.

The boss remained calm and cool.

He enjoyed the party and when time arrived to say goodbye, he told the top man 'I give you 24 hours to vacate this place and move to where you are expected to live.'

The order was carried out even before one could say Romeo Alpha.

Other top rungers in the service are full of praise for the boss, who, they say, is hell bent not only in restoring discipline but also discouraging cronyism.

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Editorial/Opinion Contents