16th September 2001

By Alia

Having caused dev- astation on July 24 through attacks on the SLAF base at Katunayake, and the adjoining international airport, heightened fears of guerrilla attacks on targets in the waterfront jolted the defence establishment. So much so, attention was focused on various measures to prevent them. Some are still under way.

But one seafarer appears to be totally oblivious to all this. He was all set for an European tour. The itinerary was on hand. So was the business class ticket. Only an accompanying staff officer was to be formally cleared for the all expenses paid trip.

But a senior official supervising matters advised seafarer it would not be prudent to go. Not when many installations were under threat. Moreover, it would not have looked good in the public eye. The visit was being hosted by a supplier. Alia's disclosure of this (The Jungle Telegraph – September 2) has incensed him, much more than an enemy torpedo would on an attack craft.

At last Monday's weekly confab of top brass, he not only raised issue but directly accused his next in line for being Alia's informant – sadly a baseless accusation. Whether it was based on wrong intelligence, or "friendly advice", is not clear.

The one who presides did not complain the seafarer was wasting their time. He was diplomatic enough to dismiss the remarks politely with a smile. Declared another after the meeting "Its wrong to come here and accuse your immediate subordinate. More so when he is not there to defend himself." Added another participant: "He should not treat him (the next in line) the same way his own boss then treated him." Making enemies out of your own colleagues seems to leave very little time to fight the real enemy. What a shame!!

In the dock

Why has the boss of a manufacturing organisation in the waterfront sent in his resignation from an Asian capital ?

Insiders say it came after the man was said to be in the dock, so to say, for millions of rupees reported gone missing or unaccountable.

But the man who chose to quit from the comfort of the Asian capital has alleged the monies were paid, as the customary commission, to a state security arm from whom they received orders.

At least for the time being, all are at sea. The probe continues.

Not a shot fired

Did Police at Central Camp fire when guerrillas attacked them on August 21. The answer seems a disturbing "no." Barring a shot, said to be a rebel signal to launch the attack, there were no exchange of fire.

This is what a top level military team led by Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Rohan de S. Daluwatte, discovered when he visited Central Camp last Wednesday. He was accompanied by the IGP and the three service commanders.

The team was there as part of measures to strengthen security in the east where guerrills have re-opened a new front.

Rajpal Abeynayake's Column

Editorial/ Opinion Contents