by Shan Wijetunga
Ajantha Ranasinghe of the president's press office got married on Thursday. A confidante of Media Advisor Sanath Goonatillake, this wedding attracted sizable gathering of VIPs including ministers, businessmen and police brass. Minister Mahinda Rajapakse spotted Punya de Silva the DIG (CID) there. "What are you trying to do by arresting Tillakaratne? "the Minister pointedly asked the DIG. The policeman did not reply. He only smiled. "Nobody knows about him. That is why they are doing these things", the minister said. Rajapakse is a politician who knows all about judge Tillakaratne. It was Tillakaratne who discharged Rajapakse when false accusations were levelled against him by UNP. Many people appreciated the judge's independent stand at that time and Rajapakse attempted to straighten the record with the DIG, but he did not have much time as the president arrived just then.

Media committee meet
One of the ten committees nominated by the President to conduct the election campaign, is the media committee met at the residence of minister S. B. Dissanaake last Tuesday.

Representatives from Lake House, Rupavahini, ITN, and several radio services were present. Although they were expected to discuss matters regarding publicity and propaganda, they spent more time talking about the welfare of mediamen.

Although the press had helped bring the PA to power, it was agreed that nothing much has been done for journalist's welfare. This was discussed at length and several decisions arrived at.

Provision of buildable land at concessionary rates, housing loans, provi-sion of telephone facilities at a 15% discount, and the supply of equipment like cameras etc at reasonable prices were among the subjects.

Two days after these discussions, there was a media blitz on the proposed facilities for journalists. Some were concerned whether this propaganda was influenced by the upcoming election office bearers of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association. On questioning the Minister Dallas Alahapperuma, they were assured that there was no connection between the two.

Jayaraj as peacemaker
It will be recalled that Jaffna District MP Dr. I. M. Illeyas staged a satyagraha in parliament recently over what he alleged to be non allocation of decentralised budget fund for his projects. He continued this protest at Puttalam too. At this juncture, the Muslim Congress came to his support. This was a matter of concern to the government as it depends on the Muslim Congress for survival.

Hence, Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was selected to act as peacemaker. He began with a meeting of Jaffna district as well as Muslim Congress MPs whom he summoned to his office. On seeing who was present, Douglas Devananda threatened to walk out but the minister was able to persuade him to stay on the basis that funds allocated for Jaffna had been given to other areas as well.

The minister explained that funds meant for Jaffna had been used elsewhere and therefore the proposals of Dr. Illyas and others should be accepted and money should be allocated to them. Devananda opposed this on the ground that Dr. Illyas had misused the money. This led to a heated exchange of words between the two. MPs Fernandopulle was keen on making peace and said that all Jaffna MPs would get Rs. 4 million - Rs. 2.5 million from the decentralised budget and the other Rs. 1.5 million from his ministry. Accordingly, he requested members to submit proposals to him for the Rs. 1.5 million allocated by his ministry and to Devananda for spending the balance funds.

Although Devananda agreed to come to decision regarding the two members who had left his party, he was not willing to provide funds to Dr. Illyas. Finally it was decided to settle the matter on September 21, but nothing has happened yet.

President exposes the LTTE
The opportunity afforded to the president to address the U.N. at the opening of the General Assembly provided an opportunity to expose the true nature of the LTTE. She said it was an insult to compare them with the liberation movements of other countries such as Africa. She also had amicable discussions with the U.S. President and Nelson Mandela with foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar in attendance.

Clinton assured her of the fullest support to fight terrorism in Sri Lanka. At a dinner hosted by the U.N. Secretary general too the president got another opportunity to talk to Clinton on matters pertaining to Sri Lanka.

After the U.N. sessions, the president had a meeting with World Bank officials. Although she was earlier expected to be back at home to take part in the Bandaranaike commemoration due on September 26, it is now learnt that she would spend a few days in London where her daughter is due to enter university. It is also very likely that she would join the Bandaranaike comme-moration organised by the London branch of the SLFP.

UNP leader in Los Angeles
The UNP leader, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe is not here to give his views on the stir created by the request for unconditional talks with the LTTE alleged to have been made by him. He is in Los Angeles, busy with fund raising activities.

The first step, a dinner was due to be held at Marriot Hotel in Los Angeles. At this dinner, 1000 tickets of 100 dollars each are expected to be sold to participants.

Two invitations under the signatures of Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe and Anura Bandaranaike had been sent. In his letter, Ranil had described the UNP as a party that does not rely on bogus promises. It has a proud record of achievements and is ready to take the people to the next century on a planned programme and a policy under which all citizens can live in honour and pride...it further states.

Anura's invitation requests all those who listened to the "Silver bell of Asia to hear the voice of his son.

A 'Pinkama' at the Crenshow temple to commemorate the late Mr. Bandaranaike also was held prior to the dinner. Both UNP and SLFP supporters participated in it, including Mr. Jayantha Dhanapala and friends and well wishers of Anura. But none of the SLFP supporters attended the fund raising dinner hosted by him and Ranil.

Cabinet meeting
In the absence of the President, the usual meeting of the cabinet proceeded in rather lukewarm fashion. It was all over in one and a half hours. The only matter of interest related to the appointment of Rev. Aturaliye Indaratne as Advisor on the Buddha Sasana.

The Minister on Buddha Sasana said that he is in receipt of a petition opposing his appointment. However, after discussion with others present, almost everyone agreed to the appointment.

Cooray rides again
Although Mr. Sirisena Cooray once stated that he wished to be out of politics, he seems to be undergoing a transformation after his return from Australia. He has obviously hinted about his desire to return to politics but not made clear through what party. However, his comments about the UNP leave no doubt as to where the choice is. He has lamented about the position of the party and expressed a desire to contest a presidential election. His supporters are busy carrying his message. But the UNP is silent.

Cooray gets a lot of publicity from the state media. However, there are voices within the government who do not like making him a hero.

UNP deliberates...
The committees appointed by the Leader of the Opposition before he left the island had their meetings at his Cambridge Place office. Here, among other matters due to be taken up in Parliament the matter concerning the arrest of High Court Judge Tillakaratne was also was taken up. Dr. Rajitha Senaratne brought up the proposal about unconditional talks with the LTTE. he said that the correct position has not been understood by the people and that they have been given a wrong perception What the UNP suggests is that talks should be held while the fighting is on. There should be no ceasefire, he said. A decision was taken to enlighten the people on Wickremasinghe's stand on this matter.

Cooray was another subject. One member pointed out that the party must weigh the pros and cons whether they would lose or gain by his returning to the fold. Rajitha Senaratne said that nothing would come out of this discussion as the party high command's silence on this subject was eloquent.

He also informed members that Mr. Gamini Fonseka has been invited to join a new party formed by H. R. Piyasisri." It is believed that Cooray is going to join this party. If a person like Gamini supports it, that will be a strong factor," he said.