Politics Unpacked

Raj justice

Us scribblers have been told more often than once what a traumatic experience being a litigant in pursuit of justice can become.

The Raj Matha of India Shrimathi Indira Gandhi once declared' My God when you go into court your very life belongs to the lawyers.' Like the benign mother, cannot the legal system with it's lawyers and judges alike be seen to be more compassionate than intimidating?

Place of employment

When the President inaugurated the new national information centre (geared to releasing information related to government departments in all three languages) he took the first call.

He said "I am Mahinda Rajapaksa, how do I obtain a new identity card?" The entire procedure was studiously divulged, with the capping sentence being "please state the institution in which you are employed."

Quite cute. What does he say now? I am employed in the Executive Presidency ?

Ranil's planetary positions

The latest argument that's rocking the world of science, is over whether Pluto is a planet.

Some scientists say yes, and some say no.

Some say there is a similar argument brewing in Colombo. Is Ranil Wickremesinghe a politician or not?

Apparently, there is agreement on this - - among scientists and others. What a happy augur.

The answer: He is not

Tease

A teaser advertisement appearing in the newspapers says drink till you drop. Obviously, it seeks to attract the attention of the reader.

But, isn't this in bad, erm, spirit, considering that it glamorises drinking?

The Italian job

An Asian website details the woes of Ranil Wickremesinghe, but this takes the cake.

The writer seems to have it on authority that when Ranil Wickremesinghe went running to India, Sonia Gandhi told him to go sort out his own problems.

Mama!!!!! Or Mama mia here I go again?

Every man has his price?

Who quotes the most astronomical prices for state and non-state events, even good causes -- and asks that his wife be provided food from a particular hotel if he sings at a particular event (and that's in addition to a eye popping fee.)

All we are telling is that it's not the Gypsies. These requests are from the more refined..

Singing in the rain

The Sri Lankan contingent wore Kurrakan sataka (kurrakan coloured shawls) at the opening of the SAARC games. It was a nice tableau that was cast by these shawl wearers on the march, but did these guys know the real import of the saataka. This is not an unnecessary cavil but, several of the athletes were seen using the Sattaka over the heads to shield themselves from the downpour.

A nice gesture (the wearing of it..) but, it was a bit like having monkeys wearing jumpers. They didn't know quite what's done with them.