Sunday December 11, 2011
The telephone operator at the switchboard of 'Temple Trees,' the official residence of the President, was somewhat surprised when he answered a phone call.
The caller, a lady, who spoke in Sinhala said she was Anoma Fonseka and asked to speak to President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The operator perhaps thought that the wife of the former Army Commander was calling to seize on President's offer to release her husband if a request is made by a member of the family.
The operator told Rajapaksa that Mrs. Fonseka was on the line and wants to speak with him. Put the call through, he said. "What is the problem? What can we do for you asked," Rajapaksa. The caller spoke somewhat apologetically.