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Jungle Telegraph

27th December 1998

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Black and red

Even Santa Claus would have found it most embarrassing.

It happened at a cocktail and dinner a VVIP gave the top brass, both serving and retired.

A one-time cop, known for his kingly ways and under cover operations, was talking away about how good a service he ran. His guru, who is not as lucky as astrologers are in predicting things to come, was there too.

The fun and frolic was under way at the palatial abode when, like lightening, the guests were struck by a wave of giggles.

A seafaring type turned colour and tried to suppress his laughter by covering his face with his hands. An embarrassed lady guest whipped her hands in the air.

A bureaucratic type looked shy as others spotted him. The man was pointing his finger and showing another lady guest what he had spotted.

Whether this one-time bobby was setting a new trend in sartorial elegance or simply trying to revive some obsolete tradition, one never knows.

But believe it or not, the man wore a red shoe on one foot and a black on the other !!

Unlike on a previous occasion, the man did not faint. Perhaps the shoes were comfortable, the colour notwithstanding.

Shocking estimate

The Wanni Security Force commander, Major General Lionel Balagalle, was an angry man last week.

He had ordered curtains for his small, two roomed chalet in Vavuniya. The doors and windows would have added up to some 60 metres. But the men who took the order gave him an estimate for Rs 460,000.

"You could have built a house for a soldier with that money," he thundered. Insiders say an inquiry is now under way.

Baffled

The LTTE manufacture of 250 coffins in the Batticaloa district has baffled military authorities in the area.

Reports came from residents in the area that these coffins were moved around in Kokkadicholai three weeks ago.

Third party ?

A leading arms dealer has arrived in an east European capital ahead of an official delegation tasked to make some military procurements.

This has raised queries over whether there is a third party in a government to government deal.

Insiders say he played a similar role earlier.

Peculiar claim

Canadian authorities are up with a peculiar refugee claim by a Sri Lankan Tamil, one who was earlier granted refugee status in Denmark.

He subsequently became a citizen there.

He is now asserting a refugee claim against Denmark alleging that LTTE supporters tried to extort money from him and assault him.

Canadian officials have found the man did not report the matter to Danish Police, nor did he approach his Member of Parliament or any other human rights organisation.


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