Premiership quips at wedding banquet

Last week's report headlined "Political debate over Premiership erupts again" had its sequel from, of all places, in the plush banquet hall of Colombo Hilton.

Among other matters, we said that the "Premiership issue also reverberated in the halls of the Colombo Municipal Council during a meeting of members. Mayor A.J. M. Muzzamil declared that the most suitable person was Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, who has had a 30 year long political career."

The occasion was a resolution felicitating Minister de Silva. It was unanimously carried by the Council after several members praised him, some even saying he was the most suitable for the post of Prime Minister. The resolution was moved by Opposition members of the Council.

Last Sunday, President Rajapaksa and some of his ministers attended the wedding of the daughter of Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem. He was seated at a table where Opposition UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was alongside. There was Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Sabaragamuwa Governor W.J.M. Lokubandara among others.

From the adjoining table, Mayor Muzzamil rose and walked up to President Rajapaksa to extend his greetings. " Mey inney apey Agamathi thorana ekkanaa (Here is the one who picks our Prime Minister)," quipped the President, pointing Muzzamil to his leader, Wickremesinghe. A shy and embarrassed Muzzamil replied " Mama ehema kivvey nehe. Aya motion eka genavey Sir laage kattiya (I did not say it that way. The motion was brought by your people, Sir)."

Wickremesinghe, who is seldom outdone in repartee responded, " Ithin Mervyn Silva wa thorala ivarei nehe (Anyway Mervyn Silva - Public Relations Minister - has already been chosen)." President Rajapaksa burst into laughter.

"I praised Minister de Silva in my speech. The motion was brought by Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) members in the Council," Muzzamil told a journalist and lawyer friends who were waiting for their vehicles to line up.

Well, well, who would want to contradict a President? Not even Muzzamil would do that. Even if he wants Minister de Silva as Prime Minister, he cannot place him in that high portal. After all, despite all the high praise he heaped on Minister de Silva, Muzzamil is from the UNP.

On his way out, President Rajapaksa ran into Parliamentarian Sri Ranga. He noted that the shirt he wore was very nice and said he knew who gave it. He asked Sri Ranga whether he came alone for the wedding. When the MP replied "yes," Mr. Rajapaksa said, "you should have come with your wife. That is how you strengthen family bonds."