Star trek of the jumbos

Lagna Tharupenena was at it again. He was up on his roof, probing the skies with his hand-held telescope. "What are you looking for so eagerly; is there a new comet in the sky?" I asked.

"No, I'm looking for a new planet." "Have the astronomers' organisations said anything about the discovery of a new planet? I thought they had even down sized Pluto?"

"One doesn't have to wait for reports from astronomers; with all this talk of green elephants crossing over to greener pastures in the blue camp, there must be new activity among the planets, and I'm not the only person studying their movements these days," said Lagna.

When I dropped in at the Thaaraka Nakshathra's "Planet Clinic" I learnt truth of what Lagna Tharupenena said. There was a queue of people waiting to get their horoscopes read, and Thaaraka had just done an upward revision of his fee. "It's all a matter of supply and demand," he said.

"Who are these people so keen to get their horoscopes read?" "They are mainly politicians. There are also the family members and close friends of politicians, as well as high officials and many catchers of politicians. I tell you this cross-over fever is spreading even faster than chikungunya, and it's causing a lot of mental pain to those affected." "But why the worry; surely those who have decided to cross-over know all about it."

"It's not that simple. Even those who have decided to do the leap are eager to know when the barrier will be lowered. They also want to know the best timing for the leap, for it to have the best effect. It's all in their stars. Then there are the catchers, hangers-on and high officials who are affected by this cross-overgunya. Don't forget that a Cabinet shuffle is also on the cards. So all these people want to know what the Cabinet changes will mean for them. It's a chain reaction that can only be properly studied from the position of their planets." My next stop was at Handahan Gedera where Grahacharya Velapathkada was holding court.

There was rush of eager clients there too. "It looks as if the astrologers and light-foretellers are having a whale of a time," I said.

"It's not unusual during times of political change. Everyone wants to know what the planets hold for them, especially when there is the possibility of new political stars shining in the firmament. But there is a major threat facing us these days," said Velapathkada.

"Who or what can threaten you with such interest in what the stars foretell? I asked.

"As usual it's from India. All those who can afford it are getting their horoscopes read in India. I tell you there are planeloads of people going to India these days to get to know more about their future, and the various Shanti Karma and other means of avoiding the malefic influence of their planets or those of others in their families. This is a big threat. I think the government should take this up officially with India. Astrology is not included in the Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement. We must put a stop to this, or else we will soon lose a very profitable industry that contributes much to the GDP," said Velapathkada.

I next met Dr. Nakshathra Deshapala who specialized in studying the impact of the planets on politics and politicians. "Do you think Ranil Alirajah will be able to stop this threatened walk out from his stable?" "You will be surprised to know that even some of those who have already weighed in to tip the scale in favour of the cross-over are also asking this question. But from my reading of the stars, he has far too much graha apala just now, to be able to stop this. There is now a formidable line up of the planets in favour of those who change sides for their own good. The House of Invitation is governed by Jupiter. Sikuru or Venus will be there to guide those who come over." "But, what about the MoU?" "What about it. It will remain in place. What we are seeing is a MoU that is being written in the heavens. You can call it a Star Trek MoU. Nothing else can prevail against it. But talking of cross-overs, Alirajah must not forget history," said Nakshathra.

"Why do you say that?" "Well so far it has been the UNP that has benefited most from cross-overs. Remember that great betrayal led by C.P. de Silva, manoeuvred by his father in 1965.

The cross-over was to the UNP. The other big jump on 2001 led by Sakala Banda was what brought down the then PA government and helped him win the next election. The stars were then on their side. He is no stranger to astrology. I'm sure the Indian consultants to whom our politicians rush when in trouble would have told him what to expect.

It's a star trek by the jumbos. When stars and big elephants are in conjunction, who or what can stop the heavy movement?

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