Columns

‘The Barmy Army’ was in full strength to cheer England cricketers as they played at the Galle Stadium and went on to win the first Test match against Sri Lanka.

As they enjoyed the match they were also enjoying plenty of beer.

But, they were complaining that the make-shift toilets were far from sufficient for the spectators to unload the beer they had consumed.

The humorous side of the political turmoil

The constitutional crisis engulfing the country is entering its third week, as politicians and their supporters continue to trade insults on social media, which has become a key battleground in the fight to win public opinion.

Even in this highly charged and tense political atmosphere, ordinary Sri Lankans continue to find ways to see the funny side of an unprecedented crisis. Social media again, has been key to this, with various ‘memes’ being created and shared online, and some going viral.

Many of the posts gave voice to the suddenness of the Government change, which caught most Sri Lankans completely unawares.

Others gave vent to disgust at politicians who were crossing over, likening them to ‘frogs’ (gembo) who were jumping. Many of the more widely shared posts poked fun at all politicians in general.

One post had a warning sign with Temple Trees in the background saying, ‘A location where elephants cross’.

Another said it was better to divide the country into three, like in the ancient days as ‘Ruhunu’ ‘Phiti’ and ‘Maya’ and give it to the three leaders who want power.

One more said, ‘We have two prime ministers and could offer one to another country’.

Confusion over ministers

Confusion is spreading over who are ministers and who are not. Even Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa seems to be confused.

One of his twitter messages referred to Palitha Range Bandara as ‘State Minister’, even according to his party, Mr Bandara had lost his position a few days ago.

At Thursday’s Ven. Sobitha Thera memorial meeting, speakers referred to the UNP ministers as ministers.

Two PMs, two CJs and two MPs for one electorate

With political tension running high, political parties have been holding regular news conferences and some times more than a dozen a day.

Last week, a scribe received instructions that a news conference had been organised at the Prime Minister’s Office.

His immediate response was which Prime Minister’s office. He had to call back to find out which Prime Minister they were referring to as the deposed Prime Minister’s office also still refers to Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister.

However, this is not the first instance we have had the issue as at one time there were two Chief Justices, with a dispute over the removal of the then Chief Justice.

Old timers also recall once there were two MPs for Kalawana.

The writing was in print

President Maithripala Sirisena took the unprecedented step of bringing under the Ministry of Defence matters relating to Government printing and publications as well as the Department of Government Printing on Friday night.

The move came less than 48 hours before he issued the gazette notification dissolving Parliament.  Just five days earlier, the Government Printing Department was gazetted to be under the Ministry of Media only to be taken under the Defence Ministry on Friday night.