COLOMBO, Aug 11: US embassy officials have contacted the government analyst department in Colombo for assistance in figuring out the content of the powder within a letter which drove embassy officials into a frenzy of anthrax fear.

The US embassy in Colombo remained closed for the second consecutive day after an Anthrax scare and sealed its doors on Tuesday afternoon. "We were approached regarding the matter by the US embassy early Wednesday. We have, however, referred the case to the Medical Research Institute in Colombo", Deputy Government analyst, W.D. Gunatilleke said when contacted.

The Director of the Medical Research Institute Dr. Mrs. Kolambage refused to comment stating that investigations were being carried out in secrecy as wished by the embassy. According to informed sources, panic spread in the mailroom of the Embassy after an employee opened a letter and found some 'unknown powder'.

All air conditioners and fans were immediately switched off", embassy sources said. Although sources ruled out anything serious, the order to vacate had come direct from the Washington. "No. No one has been taken ill so far. We do not think that it is serious", an official said.