Politics Unpacked

Speech, speech

Some newspapers carry references to JVP speeches exclusively in instances where these papers are attacked by name.

That probably explains the quantum of JVP attacks on such newspapers and the newspaper groups to which they belong. Attack the group, and promptly you are all over the front page, even though normally you wouldn't even get a cursory look-in in those front page areas in these newspapers....

Big-sona

Presidential advisor Tyrone Fernando walked into a launching ceremony of sorts recently, and was greeted by one of his dear old political comrades, the popular Mr. Karu Jayasuriya, ever the genial.

Spotting the former UNPer who has now switched allegiances, the old comrade turned wistful and asked Tyronne "ayi kavadada mana-gedarata enne?" "Mahasona nethi davasata" shot back Tyronne, without batting an eyelid.

(Translation: When will you come back to the Big House?" "The day the Big Ghost is out of it." Of course these translations can never convey the import of the idiom - so danno dhanithi -- "those who know, will know..")

60 and eating

So would you like to visualise how things were at the 60th anniversary celebrations of the UNP?? President Desirous, Ranil Wickremesinghe said that when a UNP government is formed, he will "look after all those who worked for the party."

This prompted all good man to look at each other's faces in askance. I mean in embarrassment. It also prompted a quick move to the lunch table. Karu Jayasuriya helped himself, along with all others in the queue. But there was no plate in Ranil's hand.

One queue-stander asked whether he is battling a bout of indigestion. He is supposed to have replied "no no, I will have to go home for lunch." Hmm, hoi polloi luncheons taboo, neda?.

We scatter light

Who were the high echelon state men who were talking to one of the ex President's men and asking him about the imminent return of that prodigal? Who were these same men who moved away like a scattering bunch of sparrows after having spotted the incumbent President moving into the scene??

These cheeky Injuns

The LTTE used to have problems with the Indian nation and its politicians. But now it seems there are other problems the LTTE has with a certain different breed of Indians Indian journalists.

Many Indian journalists have been writing about the LTTE being 'beaten back', and they have been saying so in no uncertain terms in Indian newspapers and newsmagazines.

May be, it was that famous Killinochchi press conference in 2002 that was the cause of so much hidden antipathy. We heard that Indian journalists were furious that they were searched to the extent of having to put their tongues out for sake of Prabhakaran's security...

Physician heal thyself

After having gone through the rigours of channelling and after diagnosis, in a sometimes haphazard manner, the patient who is up for surgery is informed after admission to hospital of 'surgical postponement.'

This is traumatic after having undergone preparation. Its psychologically draining to mentally re-adjust. We trust the professionals concerned will regard this matter in a humane light. Over to you Health Minister.