Friday - The Electricity Board chaps are still carrying on regardless, and the people are all blaming me. Some are even saying that I should have done what Preme would have done had he been in charge. How could I? Even if I did all the tyre stuff, how could I observe sil every month? Guess who comes to see me in the morning - CV, trying to be of help, after spending the darkest days gallivanting in South Africa. Told him to mind his own business which is opening garment factories and cleaning up Dehiwela. Had the news conference in the evening - told them what I think of the strike and promised to "restore normalcy". But I hope Anu can deliver the goods. Felt like calling the Fox for advice, but then, he might say he settled the strike, so decided against it...

Saturday - Anu, as always has delivered the goods, thank God. A few more days of this and I would have had to go to Horagolla and get into a diyareddda to have a bath. Anyway, must tell Mahinda to mind his own business, instead of trying to settle other peoples' strikes and become a hero. Should have given him a subject like Rural Development, not Labour. Ah, I should have known not to trust Malli's friends...

Sunday - The papers are full of pictures of that Lenty fellow - looks as if he could be satisfied with a plain tea, but that's the way they all are - they look so innocent. But these Mulberry chaps are getting out of hand. The cheek of them to negotiate and reach settlements! Now I know why the Fox kept undated resignation letters in his pocket. Must call each one of them separately and tell them that they'll be made Deputy Ministers if only they shut up....

Monday - Ordered the TV stations to stop telecasts at 9.30 p.m. That's the only way I can get the kids to do the homework. Besides, it will save some electricity, won't it?

Tuesday - Ranil has called for a debate on the strike. That's all they do, isn't it? He wanted a debate on Thawakkal, he wanted a debate with me and Susil wanted to debate milk food prices - must be quite easy being in the opposition, though I have never been in one! Must tell him that he is like NATO - no action, talking only. And that reminds me, they used to call old Hameed "all countries seen" after his initials. Now, Bala tells me they call our own Fowzie, "Always helping Muslims" for A.H.M. after that episode with the GMOA!

Wednesday - Bernard says he may have to quit the Cabinet. I asked him what the problem was and he says he doesn't mind spending the last days of his life in ministerial comfort but his sahodarays in the party are not agreeable. "Uncle Bernard" I told him, "you must remain for old times' sake". He was charmed by that, I could see, but said that he will have to ask his sahodarayas in the Central Committee. Anyway, why should I sack Uncle Bernard when I am tolerating people like Thonda?

Thursday - The Daily Noise has a picture of Mahinda and me listening to Bakhti Gee! The other half of the picture is taken up by Monty. After seeing that the people should believe that all's well that ends well between both of us!. Lucky K called to remind me that the Pakistani FM is on his way to meet us. Don't be late, he tells me. Wonder whether I should wear a salwar - the chap is bound to compare me with Benazir and I must look good even though she is a good ten years younger....