There is a gentleman who was quite vocal about the economic development of the country in recent times.
He is now a shining star in the current administration.
Recently, a certain Sri Lankan investor came to meet him.
He came to get permission to start manufacturing a specific type of equipment currently used in hospitals.
The discussion started on a very cordial note.
The investor laid out his requirement clearly.
The politician quickly made the task sound weighty, insisting that this was no minor undertaking.
Reading between the lines, the investor finally offered that they could extend a generous hand of support if the approvals came through.
Without uttering another word on the matter, the politician mentioned the name of the middleman who coordinated the visit and promised to send word through him.
Two or three days later, the trusted coordinator returned with the verdict.
Rumour has it that the demanded figure for help ran into millions.
By all accounts, the price tag quoted by the politico was equivalent to a full year or two of the investing company's profits.
Those of you reading this column might jump to the conclusion that it was the gentleman overseeing the health sector who pulled off this move.
Oh dear, not at all. He had genuinely tried to support the venture in good faith.
Insiders whisper that the hefty demand actually came from a completely different, sweet-smelling sandalwood type politico.
(Lankalokaya)