8th February 1998

Outside Politics

By Epicurus


Prince and Bawa

No prizes are offered for this Golden Jubilee Independence quiz

Why did the Prince of Wales, our chief guest at the celebrations in Kotte leave early, ahead of the cultural pageant and drive past of floats?

If your answer is "security reasons", you are wrong. He had a private meeting in Bentota with famed architect Geoffrey Bawa. So he drove with a band of commandos armed with automatics on the ready.

A lover of old architecture, Prince Charles had read Mr. Bawa's books.

He was advised to leave the ceremonies early and travel so he may return in time for the other engagements.

Arranging the formalities for him was none other than the sister of President Chandrika Bandaranaike, Sunethra. Last week she was busy helping the sister with many chores

'Ashtome gedera'

It was not only the delayed arrival of President Kumaratunga at the Parliament grounds in Kotte that kept the protocol types in suspense, but also the easy-going lifestyles of some of the country's top rung bureaucrats.

Instead of taking their seats in keeping with the strict formalities that govern state functions like independence celebrations, the duo put their arms around each other and were chatting away. One embarrassed official said "they were on a machang (or chum) level frequency."

This was while a politico, who was master of ceremonies, kept walking up and down past the Prince of Wales. He covered the TV cameras from focusing on the Prince many a time and earned a dubious accolade from another official. "He's like the host at an 'ashtome gedera'," he remarked.

Disappointment

The Royal visit meant a lot for the families of two Cabinet Ministers.

The man who loves victories and the kingly figure turned up at the arrival ceremonies at the Bandaranaike International Airport with not only their spouses but also their offshoots.

The reason? They wanted to seize a photo opportunity with Prince Charles. They asked many who mattered whether this could be done.

But those burly boys from Scotland Yard threw themselves around so much, one could only pose with them and not the Prince of Wales. What a disappointment!!

Hijacked Cruisers

Though the politicians would have envied them, 27 luxury Toyota Land Cruisers that arrived were meant for the field commanders in the battle areas.

But now the field commanders are kicking their heels. They complain many have been hijacked by their big bosses in Colombo.

Wait till the politicos hear of this!!

Strictly speaking

The owner of the small tea kiosk had just served a half loaf of bread with pol sambol to his client.

A small TV (purchased to watch live coverages of matches) was on.

Just as the client broke a piece of bread and dug into the pol sambol, President appeared on the screen . She was making her broadcast to the nation on independence day.

The man swallowed bread and sambol hurriedly and extorted "if our President visits UK, will Her Majesty the Queen speak in Sinhala!!


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