A certain uniformed high-up of the State lodge is often seen strolling along a Nelum Mawatha these days, they say.   

This high-up who had been hobnobbing with government bigwigs in the recent past is said to have the knack for warming his way into the graces of those commanding political clout.   

Since of late he had made it a habit to frequent the Nelum Mawatha. Accounting for his presence at this Mawatha to those known to him who would accidentally meet him there, the high-up would say:   

“I just accompanied a friend here!”