---

A   Diyawanna member from the East who recently quit his deputy office to take political refuge in the Compassionate One was deep in discussion at the residence of the former Madam when his mobile phone began shrilling. The caller was a bigwig with close ties to the palace.

“Have you got financial problems?  How much do you want to solve your immediate problems? How much do want if you are to come back to the fold?”  The caller was asking.

The Diyawanna member who profusely thanked the caller for his solicitude said: “Ane Mahattayo, I am a poor man. But I have some self-respect. I am not prepared to do a return trip even if I am offered a shipment of Rs.5000 notes!”  
The caller immediately went off the line.