Jungle Telegraph

15th August 1999

Leads, leads

Police and Intelligence teams tasked to probe the July 29 killing of TULF Parliamentarian, Dr.Neelan Tiruchelvam, by a suicide bomber at Rosmead Place, are yet to identify the killer, or accomplice if there were any.

The team is pursuing every lead that comes their way only to be frustrated at the end.

One report claimed that the suicide bomber was from Jaffna. More details of the man arrived later and the probe continued until it was revealed that the man in question is now working in Dubai.

Another report spoke of the suicide killer being employed in a hotel in Kuliyapitiya before he carried out the attack. That took the detectives from Kuliyapitiya to Kandy and later to Wennappuwa. There the man in question was found, still working as a waiter.

The teams are not giving up. One of them said a string of other fresh leads were now being followed.

Naval extensions

Two of Sri Lanka Navy's top order men – number two and number three – have made submissions to continue in office for a further period of one year after their terms expire in March, next year.

Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Daya Sandagiri and Commander, Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Terrance Sunderam, insiders say, have made their plea to Navy Commander, Vice Admiral Cecil Tissera. As is the case, lobbying for the extension of service of at least one of them, has begun with both politicians and members of the clergy spearheading the campaign. The other has opted for a private sector posting if submissions do not meet with success.

As one wag remarked, the battle for extensions are more tougher than the duels at sea. The outcome is being keenly watched.

Baksheesh for blessings

The tale of woe of a local ship owner who wants to run a cargo and passenger service from Trincomalee to Jaffna peninsula is shocking, if not revealing.

He says he interviewed local officials in order to place his proposals and obtain clearance.

He alleges he was asked to obtain the blessings of a local Tamil politician. Thereafter, approval will be granted. Or so he was told The businessman met the politician, who did not take much time to say how much his blessings would cost – Rs 250 for every passenger transported and Rs 100,000 on every cargo run. The politico said it was not a bribe but the funds were required to run his political party. The businessman has abandoned his plans.

On hit list

A special group of Black Tiger cadres had infiltrated Jaffna peninsula to reconnoitre and assassinate local Tamil leaders, according to an intelligence warning.

The warning listed Raviraj (Acting Mayor of Jaffna), Sri Baskaran (TULF/Chairman of Valikamam North Pradeshiya Sabha) and M.K. Sivajilingam (TELO/Chairman of Valvettiturai Urban Council) as targets.

Editorial/Opinion Contents