Jungle Telegraph

24th October 1999

By Alia

Raises a storm

A top cop's repeated charges of collusion with the underworld by some of his colleagues has raised a storm at Police Headquarters.

Whilst he has received a number of letters to explain his conduct, which they say is unbecoming, there are whispers in the corridors of Police Headquarters about a new dossier.

It not only contains some juicy stuff not printable but also other documented incidents (names, dates and times given), which some seniors say should not have been encouraged or done by those who preach righteousness and virtues.

One incident, not so long ago, speaks of how a sergeant and a driver went in the boss' official car to 'raid' a kasippu(illicit liquor) den. The boss's official revolver was aimed at the mudalali who ran the outfit. The latter was forced to part with a stack of green notes.

In the probe that ensued, the duo were dismissed but there was no word about what happened to the money.

Another is about the acquisition of a house in a cooler clime for an attractive figure. When the incumbent refused to leave, he was greeted with a hail of stones. There will be raised eyebrows when the political bosses get to see the dossier.

New precedent

One military top man's explanation for inviting a retired commander, facing criminal charges, as guest of honour for an exhibition to mark the Army's 50th anniversary, has amused the political leadership

"We can invite anyone as long as they are not convicted in Courts,' was the response of the officer and gentleman concerned. Perhaps a new precedent in the 50th year.

But now comes the story of some of the other omissions and commissions. They include the case of two Deputy Chiefs of Staff, who retired in the recent years, being left out. A four star General, whose advice is sought even now, was not accommodated at the main table like all others of his rank.

Also among those not considered were a group of retired Army officers who backed the People's Alliance during the General and Presidential elections in 1994. Some of these officers, who complained of political victimisation, were promoted to the rank of Majors General.

Who remarked 'We don't need the Taiwanese Generals' ? Your guess is as good as mine !

Rude shock

Thirty seven years a diplomat, three times Sri Lanka's envoy in leading world capitals and now a Municipal Councillor, C. Mahendran, had a rude shock last Friday.

A small group of men, heavily armed and in uniform, stormed his house at 4 a.m. and demanded they conduct a full search. When he protested, they withdrew only to come in a bigger strength half an hour later.

A war of words ensued after Mr. Mahendran objected to the men entering his house at that hour. He had asked that they return after 6 a.m. The team withdrew without entering the house but never returned.

Now, the former diplomat has raised the issue with the security authorities.

Rajpal Abeynayake's Column

Editorial/ Opinion Contents