Ramaphosa the Accidental Tourist
The opposition frequently claims that the number trotted out by the Government with respect to tourist arrivals are highly inflated. Every visit, even by Sri Lankans working abroad who take a break to spend time with their families, the opposition claims. We don't know the truth, but this particular arrival has to go as 'tourist'. The controversial (and notorious, according to some) Cyril Ramaphosa, South African Deputy President, is not here to mediate, facilitate or engage in any political work of any kind. He's here as a tourist. We are sure he has a tourist visa. And we are sure he's meeting the TNA because the TNA office is a tourist destination.
The Govt pot and the NGO kettle
The decision to make NGOs stick to their mandate has provoked a howl of protests from the would-be 'victims'. What this means is that a) NGOs have exceeded their mandates and b) want this state of affairs to continue. In short they wish to remain unregulated. A law unto themselves. Strange, since these are the same people who beat their chests and claim that politicians take the law into their hands. On the other hand, how can a government that doesn't give a hoot about rules and regulations, never mind mandates, demand that NGOs (or anyone else) play by the rules?
Jagath Balasuriya as IGP
Minister of National Heritage Jagath Balasuriya has vowed to crack down on nidan horu, i.e. those who pillage archaeological sites in search of buried treasure and artifacts, by using satellite technology. Brilliant. Now the same technology could be used to catch pickpockets, burglars, murderers, those who pilfer the public kitty and so on, surely? So the question is, when is the brilliant Prof Balasuriya going to be made the Inspector General of Police so that his knowledge can be put to even better use?
The Thevarapperuma Drama
Palitha Thevarapperuma, unwittingly, has propounded a new political theory. It is almost like a corollary to a political theory dreamed up by the inimitable Wimal Weerawansa. Wimal went on a hunger strike and get out of jail, so to speak, when President Rajapaksa 'persuaded' him to stop it. Thevarapperuma has done the same. Threatened to resign, wrote a resignation letter, took it to the party leader and the party leader (duly?) refused to accept the letter. Wimal and Palitha both made noises, gave ultimatums and at the end of the day, didn't have to sacrifice anything. It's a win-win situation for all concerned. Prediction: there'll be more 'heroes' in the coming months, Palitha-like and Wimal-like.
Ranil's love for the people
Ranil Wickremesinghe wants everyone to rally around the UNP to help him form a government that works for the well being of the general public. Well, they say charity begins at home. Could Mr Wickremesinghe conduct an opinion poll to find out if the well being of the party's rank and file has been adequately served during his tenure as party leader?
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