POINTS TO PONDER

The Exorcist

The Sunday Island is facing a hearty serving of humble pie after it ran an ill-judged article claiming Tilak Marapana, Minister of Defence and Minister of Transport, High-ways and Civil Aviation, sought "divine help to protect him from malicious spirits."The newspaper, evidently worried about legal repercussions, hastily published in full a letter from Marapana lambasting the report and denying any resort to the black arts. For its part, The Sunday Island maintains its report "was a bona fide publication of a wire service story." Is this is a case of pleading ignorance as a defence or passing the buck?

House Rules

Relationships are once again on the rocks with Sri Lanka's most famous political cohabitants. The most recent spat flared up when the President suddenly announced she would take over the Development Lotteries Board. The Premier's response was businesslike -- she could not do it without consulting him. A tense standoff ensued after riot police were mobilized to prevent an official notification from being printed and roads leading to the Government Printer's office in Borella were reportedly fully blocked by the police. Some how things seemed to be so much more manageable when the President was convinced the Premier was trying to assassinate her. It appears third party mediation may be required!

Laughing Gas

Sri Lankan consumers have reason to be a little bit happy after the two majors in the gas market pledged to cut prices soon. The news was met with incredulity by some newspapers after a series of increases of the fuel to reflect higher global rates. "Believe it or not, gas price coming down!" The Daily Mirror reported with disbelief. Shell and Laugfs both said price cuts would be imminent. Delivering the goods, however, looks certain. Try explaining a price hike to the Sri Lankan consumer after international rates fell by as much as 30%.

Rotten

The man dubbed 'Mr. Clean' is once again on a mission to wash out political corruption. No, his solution isn't anything radical like a 'name and shame' policy. Yes, it is a committee albeit a "high powered" one, as some press reports describe it. In a recent address, the Premier referred to the discipline of MPs as unsatisfactory. Such sentiments echoed by Minister Lakshman Seneviratne. "Mr. Prime Minister, now you are being described by the people as Mr. Clean," he said. "But if the present trend continues that will diminish with time. They will call all of us rogues." Whether the anti-corruption committee will change things is unclear.

Unholy Act

A certain MP from the ruling UNP is in hot water after an embarrassing breach of religious protocol that got him in trouble not only with the Buddhist clergy but with his bosses. The nameless politician forcibly entered a restricted area around the foot of the historic Bo tree at Anuradhapura to pose for a picture. "Temple sources said the politician along with a photographer entered without the permission of the chief monk, posed for pictures and vanished," Colombopage said. The offending MP evidently wasn't paying much attention to party policy since the UNP is in the process of producing a code of conduct for errant MPs.

Good Taste

Vesak is a wholesome religious festival though some fear its image may be tarnished commercialism. In particular Buddhists want tasteful Vesak greeting cards printed. A strict warning has been issued to stationers who stock improper cards. "The CID would take action against manufacturers who dare to hurt the feelings of Buddhists," one report said. Makeshift stalls have come up in the Capital as well as in other areas, and several people have complained that some manufacturers have resorted to printing cards of bad taste, it said. What exactly constitutes such bad taste is hitherto unknown. Still, tough penalties are on the cards.