Sri Lanka, Oct. 29 -- There was a time in our history, when political assasinations had a political twist. The SWRD murder springs to mind.

But times are very different now. Underworld activity (pathalaya)

with illegal firearms is the biggest menace now. Both go hand in hand!

The challenge facing the present government is exactly that.

Another fact has emerged and that is political entanglement with the underworld. There was a time when gangsters found political favour with our political leaders. It is a well known fact.

However not satisfied with the status quo now, gangs related powerful people have sought political power themselves. Therein lies the quagmire!

Therefore it is up to political leaders to weed them out. If this i...