Strained nerves on the eve of a dissolution did not deter PA parliamentarians, who gathered at the Janadipathi Mandiriya for a group meeting and dinner thereafter, from indulging in a little revelry.

They not only danced to some gyrating baila songs but also formed a human train with one holding the back of the other.

The train did a few trips to the garden outside. 

On one occasion, it arrived at the dinner hall to make its appearance before President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, who remained seated. They did their honours and rolled over again to the garden area.

The man leading the PA's human train, or its engine, was none other than Gen. Anuruddha Ratwatte, Deputy Minister of Defence.

Like the many battles he has fought, it was again a case of leading from the front !!

Operation polls 2001

News of the dissolution of Parliament made at least two retired Majors General active.

Together with a group of their supporters, who are also closely associated with military types, they met at a club which many frequent to learn how to float in water.

The men talked in whispers about how to help the Opposition polls campaign. One man who quit under controversial circumstances was seen taking down notes.

"Is another Pooneryn operation being planned," asked a wag who saw what was going on.

Money from battle-front

Military sleuths are interrogating an escort sergeant who refused a request by his boss in the northern battlefront to carry Rs 70,000 of personal cash to his Colombo home.

He had told boss that he would have no answer to give if those conducting security checks queried him on the origins of the money.

Now they want to know from where the boss came by such a lot of money to be sent home.

'Anthrax' mail sent to US

The US Embassy in Colombo has sent by special courier to the FBI in Washington suspected substance received by them by post on Thursday.

The suspicious substance is said to have been contained in two letters the embassy received. FBI officials are to ascertain whether the substance is Anthrax.