When politicos clash, dogs get crushed

Canine species are often referred to by politicians of all hues to drive a point home.

Years ago, the late retired Major General Sarath Munasinghe joined the People's Alliance Government. Then President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga made him Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Months later, rumours floated that he was to cross over to the United National Party (UNP). Maj. Gen. (retd.) Munasinghe, in a bid to scotch them, declared "even if my dog crosses over, I will not."

Yet, the one-time Military Spokesperson did cross over to the UNP. The witty and lively former Information Director Ariya Rubasinghe was to remark " Eya giya, balla nang Innawa" or "he left but the dog is still there." Just last week, Deputy Transport Minister Rohana Dissanayake (was to declare "it is not that politics have gone to the dogs. Dogs have come to politics." He was addressing a meeting after handing out letters of appointments to Grama Niladharis in the Matale District.

Though a colleague, his political archrival and Deputy Higher Education Minister Nandimitra Ekanayake was also on the stage. He had fired a broadside when he spoke earlier. He declared that some people had to sing praises in order to get into various positions.

Like the Grama Niladharis, those present at the meeting were aware of the rivalry between the duo. Mr. Dissanayake was to assert that if people cannot engage respectfully in politics without engaging in vituperative remarks, they should quit.

A witty Grama Niladhari was heard to remark " Aney apey ballonta katha karanna puluvang nam, monava kiyai da." (If our dogs could talk, what would they say?)