still camera." After some time, a well-known Superintendent of Police arrived at the HQ Operation Combine. As the police officer walked in, he held Rohana Wijeweera's hair from the rear and gave two taps on Wijeweera's cheek. Wijeweera looked back, and having identified the officer said, 'I knew it had to be a person like you'. The police officer joined the Minister and Operation Combined Commander. Wijeweera related a few interesting stories. One day, a group of JVP activists had visited the residence of Nimal Kirthisri Attanayake [Rohana Wijeweera] at Ulapane. They demanded money for their movement. Wijeweera responded quickly by giving Rs 100. The youngsters did not have a clue about their leader. Wijeweera was full of smiles when he divulged this story. The time was around 3.45am on 13 November 1989. Sarath was informed to conclude the questioning and to take Rohana Wijeweera downstairs. "Together we walked downstairs and were close to each other. Wijeweera held my hand and said, 'I am very happy I met you even at the last moment. I may not live any longer. Please convey my message to my wife'. Rohana Wijeweera's message contained five important points. They were all very personal matters concerning his family.". Moments later, Wijeweera was blindfolded and helped into the rear seat of a green Pajero. Two people sat on either side of Wijeweera. There were others at the rear of the vehicle. Just then a senior police officer arrived near the vehicle. Sarath then politely rejected his invitation to join them. The Pajero took off. He joined Col Lionel Balagalle standing near the main entrance of the Operation Combine HQ building, as the jeep left. We were having a brief chat when a senior officer came downstairs to get into his car. "We greeted him. He was in a very good mood.". But the atmosphere changed all of a sudden. A military police officer appeared in front of us. The senior officer blasted him for not accompanying Wijeweera and party. The military officer dashed towards his vehicle and sped away. The senior officer departed. Sarath concluded the first part "We also went home thinking of a good sleep.". Late in the morning, Sarath was busy getting Wijeweera's photograph printed. No one would recognise Wijeweera without his beard. So Sarath had to seek help and add the beard to Wijeweera's photograph. It was done very well. Late in