National interest and its origins explored
A conspiracy was hatched this week by the local television channels and the government to put cricketers and monks on center stage at the expense of the government and opposition. But before one could say "Dambulla Stadium'' the politicians are reclaiming their lost privilege - prime time coverage.

But, talking of national governments we looked for the origins of that call.
Then it appeared with some clarity. First, politicians made themselves more likeable to the electorate by wearing the national dress. That was in the immediate decade following independence. That was the national garment. Now it's the national government.

Time was when politicians draped the national garment as if it was a latex condom. It gave them protection from all sorts of adversity. Now they drape the national government around them -- if not as a prophylactic, at least as a hanging good luck charm.

National government has less problems anyway the national garment. When J. R.. Jayewardene had to traverse the paddy fields in his national suit, it was so difficult, he almost had to raise the lower half of his dress obscenely. S.W.R.D. Bandaranike never wore the Ariya Sinhala national for dog shows in Colombo 7. Later he quipped 'balu wedeta balu enduma'' - the cur's kit for the dog event - when he was queried about his three-piece ensemble with a bow.

But the national dress is a statement that is now quickly becoming passé. It's cumbersome. If it was twenty years ago that Sarath Amunugma entered politics, you could have bet your bottom rupee that he would have been grappling with a Arya Sinhala suit in the breezes of the Diyawanna. Now a bushcoat does him fine.

But, why have a national garment, when you can have the national government? It doesn't cling on to your skin at all, and you don't have to use any kind of soap to wash off the accumulating sweat. You can twist it and turn it any way you like -- this national garment -- without tearing it, or running the risk of revealing your buttocks. Beats wearing something lily white and starched. You can look lily white with a national garment without wearing anything.

Besides it can be put on and taken off at anytime, without the risk of being asked embarrassing questions the way Bandaranaike was asked. In public contests on television, people such as Mahinda Samarasinghe and the PA's John Senevitaratne tear each other apart and savage themselves. Then, maybe in the evenings, they can calmly talk about national government. It's like throwing your opponent to the lion, and cleansing it all in the evening with a discourse on Senatorial democracy. The President does this like a pro.

Cool.
Nothing wrong with a national government, ask the business leaders. It's needed. The country has to heal, etc., etc., Besides, Parliament is for them to gouge their eyes out.. That's what they did almost - the other day. Now the Speaker has to investigate. But they threatened to de-robe the Speaker in a hurry the other day. Now, when Choksy bows at the Speaker he looks like a circus contortionist, bent double. He is bowing for Wimal Weerawansa also, methinks. For the whole PA and JVP in fact…

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