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Is he in or out?
It's a case of cohabitation being put to test once again. A ministerial team named by the United National Front Government to process military procurements comprised three Cabinet Ministers - Tilak Marapana, then Defence Minister, Karu ayasuriya and K.N. Choksy. They were assisted by a representative from the Treasury.

With President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga taking over the defence, Mr. Marapana has ceased to be Minister in charge of that subject.

However, last week, he had been re-nominated as the UNF candidate for the Committee. Insiders say President Kumaratunga wants a change. She says he is no longer in charge of Defence and wants the UNF to name a replacement.

Only coming weeks will show whether the UNF will cohabit by doing so or insist Mr. Marapana should remain.

New liaison officer for Army
The Ministry of Defence will see a new Military Liaison Officer (MLO) from next week. Taking on the post is Major General Jayantha Ranaweera, now on leave preparatory to retirement from the Army. He held the post of Military Secretary until last week.

Maj. Gen. Ranaweera is to be re-called to serve from the reserve list and posted to the new position. He will succeed retired Brigadier Bandula Ranasinghe, who functioned as MLO until last week. He has been asked to step down.

Discipline before degree
Remember the local intelligence man who served a European capital for three years, came back home and wanted to go on a four-year stint. That was for a specialised degree on international affairs.

The man has been told he cannot do so. He has put up his papers for retirement. They are now held up. Insiders say he will be called upon to first face a disciplinary inquiry.

The reason - he is accused of keeping away vital information from the bosses and misleading them.

Guessing spies
Insiders say some surprise changes are in the offing in the higher echelons of the intelligence community. The guessing game over who will get what goes on.

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