How the chief travels

That is why, military top rungers and even politicians connected with the war, always walk from the office to the chalet. That is when they are at the nerve centre in this office complex where all the action is directed from. they also live in the chalet and go there for meals.

But the Chief, believe it or not, travels the distance in style in an air conditioned double cab. 

He sits in the front. Seated in the rear are two bodyguards, each carrying an Israeli made Uzi sub-machine gun. Behind, in the open cab fixed with wooden seats, six other bodyguards with assault rifles sit, three each in a row.

Even before the driver could shift gears from the first to the second, the Chief had arrived in his office. The men jump out to form a human wall as he walks into his air-conditioned office in crisp, starched uniform. Was this security to secure him from his own men or the enemy ? No one knows.

Little wonder, those far far away in the front complain they seldom see the Chief. Not even when big things happen. If he was called powder baby then, he has now acquired a new name – Thuvaya Mahattaya (Towel Master). That’s because of the towel he wore to avoid sweat spoiling his collar.

Must one say anything more about not being on a winning streak? Who cares over what happens to others. Not when two Panadols can put them to sleep easily. And when they wake up, there are rewards waiting. Worldly rewards at that.

Dancing amidst tragedy

It was just then that a telephone call arrived from the top man asking that all activity be brought to a halt immediately. 

Things did come to a halt but many were angry and did not hide their feelings. They smashed the balloons that were part of decorations or banged on the walls. The top man, however, had said they could continue drinking. That continued.

It transpired that the wounded, including those at the recent “Operation Agni Khiela,” complained the noise was too loud for them to sleep. The party was in a section of the hospital complex.

The top man was woken up to be told of the merry making.

What would those who talk of banning tamashas in view of the heavy human losses of “Operation Agni Khiela” have to say ?

Rajpal Abeynayake's Column 

Editorial/ Opinion Contents