Tuesday - Like all professors, G.L. talks too much. Now he has said that we have reached agreement with the UNP on the devolution package, and Ranil has denied that. Must tell G.L. to mind his tongue. I can tolerate the way he pouts his lips, but the things he says can get us into trouble. Anyway, the joke is that they gave him more aid in Paris because, when they saw him, they thought malnutrition must be pretty high in Sri Lanka! Ah, if I went for that meeting...

Wednesday - They tell me the teachers are angry after hearing what I said about them. And they are asking me how I, of all people, could accuse them of coming late to school! As I told Richard, that is because I’m the boss and the boss comes and goes when she likes. I told him to remind his teachers that sixty two per cent of people voted for me knowing very well that I will always be late...

Thursday - G.L. tells me that Di Moo who is attending some conference in Rome was planning to criticise the World Bank. I asked him to track him down and bring him back before he opens that dreadful mouth of his. Ah, with friends like this, who needs enemies?

Friday - And now G.L. tells the press that we will abolish the Presidency by next April. I had half a mind to tell him that nothing of that sort will happen, but then, let him eat his own words in April, just like Anuruddha once did after promising to wipe out the LTTE. Why should I commit myself to such important national issues?

Saturday - Packing my bags to go to Paris can be pretty tiring, since Paddy doesn’t do it for me anymore. The Frenchies were asking me why I was so keen on meeting Chirac this week itself. How could I tell them that I didn’t want to be here on Velu’s Birthday? Must brush up my French also - I’ve lost my touch. After all, around here whom can I speak with in French when even the French Ambassador talks to me in English?

Then, I hear that even Ranil has gone to Tangerine in Kalutara to escape Velu’s antics. Ah, Maithri must be jealous surely - Tangerine is no match for Paris, anyway...