The Fifth Column

5th Octomber 1997


Surely, we know how to hold a referendum

Friday- It’s thaaththa’s death anniversary. The ceremonies are at Horagolla as usual, but the hardest part is getting up so early in the morning to be there on time. This is one place where I can’t afford to be late! Mallo, as usual has to spoil everything by placing his wreath separately. Now the newspapers are sure to notice that! But the TV stations did a good job - none of them showed him doing that...

Saturday - I must tell Mangala not to open his mouth too often. Now, he has said the Sinhala Commission will help only Prabha and the monks are on the warpath. That’s the last thing I want - Buddhist monks sitting by the roadside and making demands!

Sunday- Harry J is in trouble, and the Customs chap has told a newspaper that I asked him about it! Anyway now I can do nothing more, because everybody is waiting for me to intervene, so they can say I favoured him. But of course, I will allow him to carry on with a taste of paradise....

Monday- What a cabinet meeting! Everybody seemed to be opposed to the Package, except Mangala, G.L and myself! Even Ratne was on the other side, that really surprised me. But I did give a piece of my mind to Mahinda when he started attacking the package. I told the fellows to say nothing to the newspapers, but I know even that will be reported! Nothing happened finally, but Mangala says he will get his boys to say the package was “unanimously approved”

Tuesday_ Just as I thought, the Buddhist monks are on the streets at Vihara Maha Devi Park, demanding an apology from Mangala. I’m sure Karu would have given them all assistance! I told Mangala to apologise but he says he can’t. So I told him to at least say, “I didn’t mean to hurt you but I’m sorry if I did”, and he agreed to do that.....

Wednesday- They tell me Ranil is very worried about Wijeyapala. Wijeyapala is refusing to resign. Serves them right for what they did to Amma. But I must tell my chaps to be careful in whatever they do because in a few years time all of us will be summoned before their commissions, I suppose. Anyway, what a pity Batalanda didn’t work out the way. We hoped it would....

Thursday- I told the GL the best hope for the Package was not Mangala’s ‘thavalama’ or GL’s seminars but a referendum. He says if it is rejected at a referendum, everything is lost. I told him not to worry about that because dear JR has taught us how a referendum should be held!


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