Jungle Telegraph

7th November 1999

By Alia

Lost track

One of the closely guarded secrets in the City is the arrival of Vasantha Raja, a one time Chairman of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and now Editor of the Tamil Guardian International.

The London based journalist is well known for his close links with the LTTE hierarchy.

If that has fuelled speculation about impending peace talks between Government and the LTTE, insiders say, the protection given to him by one security arm has heightened it.

Another security arm, completely unaware of this protection, observed his movements closely only to lose track of him when he moved around.

Rejected pronto

A controversial top man in uniform, now retired, had a rude shock last week.

Unlike paupers, the man who has a high flying lifestyle and has acquired the ultimate in luxury living, wanted to become member of a leading social club, one with royal traditions.

When his application came up before the Committee, members raised eye brows. They spoke a lot about his reputation and said enrolling him would harm the Club's image. So the application was rejected pronto.

This time our man could not ask for more. What a strange twist !

Honda Ekek

The party of young businessmen including some new media moghuls was under way at a towering restaurant when the news came on the cellphone of a guest. "The Army's 56 Division at Kanakarayankulm had fallen," a caller told Presidential Media Adviser, Sanath Gunatilleke.

Soon, Mr Gunatilleke and Fisheries Minister, Mahinda Rajapakse, were in a corner chatting away. The loud music played by a live band drowned their conversation.

When another guest later queried what they talked, a smiling Mr. Rajapakse declared "Okaa Honda Ekek" (He is a good fellow). Sanath in the meanwhile was busy posing for photographs. He did not say "no" to those beautiful lassies who wanted to pose with him. The chief guest for the do, the affable Police Chief, Lucky Kodituwakku, was conspicuous by his absence.

Really mad

After the Army's 56 Division at Kanakarayankulam was seized by the LTTE, there was one officer who was really mad. He lost his squash court.

The floor was made of solid teak timber from trees cut down to make way for safe mobility along roads.

Rajpal Abeynayake's Column

Editorial/ Opinion Contents