A deputy minister was highly enamoured by his film idol, Shahruk Khan.
He made plans weeks ahead to check into a five-star hotel where the star was expected to check in for the International Indian Film Academy Awards. However, SRK did not turn up.
Yet, the deputy minister wanted a suite and be at the centre of activity. It was some consolation that the hotel gave him the room that was meant for SRK if he did come.
Ranil's path to Dhamma
Besieged opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday visited the Asgiriya Mahanayaka, the Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera.
The prelate spoke of the virtues of Ivaseema (patience). His advice was 'do not rush to get power, wait for the opportunity".
The Opposition leader responded saying he had learnt from his late leader J.R.Jayewardene to read two stanzas from the Dhammapada daily and that's what he was doing.
Solo role for Sanath
The notable absentees at the mega Indian movie awards IIFA were the local movie stars. Visitors to Colombo's Cinnamon Grand Hotel where many of the Indian stars were staying did, however, spot local actor Sanath Gunatillake seated in the lobby but there were few paying much attention to him.
DIG roster for Bollywood bash
Police Headquarters placed as many as six Deputy Inspectors General on the roster for duty related to the IIFA awards ceremony in Colombo.
The six were to take turns managing the Police Communications Centre.
Gone are the days when only Inspectors, Sub Inspectors and Police Constables found themselves on a roster for duty.
Pay for the privilege
A deputy minister was on a private visit to a leading Asian capital a week ago.
Before his departure from Colombo, without the knowledge of the officialdom, the deputy minister told the Sri Lanka diplomatic mission in that capital to have the VIP lounge in that country's airport ready for him.
"You will have to pay," came the response from the Sri Lankan Embassy.
Well, the deputy minister, one of those used to enjoying perks of office free of charge, was in no mood to pay for glory. "If I have to pay for it, forget it," the man from the central hills said.
Only three for GLP presser
Why the new External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris walked away from the prestigious National Press Club in Washington D.C. is still the talking point among some media in the US capital.
Some said a US-based public relations firm which is earning thousands of dollars advising the Government of Sri Lanka asked him not to chair a news conference. This was on the grounds that he would face a string of hostile questions.
Now comes another story. Reports say that only three journos had turned up for the event.
No foresight to over-see
Another closely-guarded domain of the Foreign Service has now fallen into the hands of the administrative counterparts.
Until last week, the External Affairs Mnistry's Overseas Administration Division (OAD) remained the responsibility of a foreign service officer. Only those who had served in overseas stations and had the experience required were posted to run the OAD.
This week, an administrative officer was elevated as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs and placed in charge of the OAD. He has no record of serving overseas. This brings to four, the number of additional secretaries in the External Affairs Ministry.
Quoting a prostitute in public
There were ripples of laughter at the post-Cabinet news conference presided over by the Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who is accustomed to the post of Cabinet spokesman.
He was explaining that President Rajapaksa during his visit to Bhutan for the SAARC summit had discussed relaxation of restrictions in certain sectors to bring about closer relations between SAARC countries.
Elaborating in Sinhalese he said some of the services were 'Sanskruthika' (Cultural), 'Sancharaka' (Tourism) 'Adyapana' (Education) and 'Ganika' - (Prostitution). What he meant was 'Ganaka' (Accountancy). As journalist burst into laughter the minister paused and it was an information department officer next to him who explained what the laughter was about.
Mr. Rambukwella, as he is known to be, responded soon by saying he had made a mistake, as some journalist do, but added that some tourists who visit Sri Lanka complain that some services were under developed here.
Cosmetic exercise
When arrangements were being made for a TV interview for External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris at the United Nations last week, the producer of the show was apologetic for "'cosmetic'' reasons.
"We are sorry," he told a Sri Lankan diplomat, "we don't have a make-up artiste" to spruce up the minister before the cameras.
When the producer was told the minister had no problems to go, as is, minus make-up, the Sri Lankan diplomat was told: "But your former Foreign Minister always insisted on make-up whenever we invited him." Beauty or brains?
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