The final episode of the Mervyn Saga?
Mervyn
Silva has been no stranger to controversy. Time and time again the minister has caused many a stir which has raised serious concern among civil society, politicians and the general public alike. His escapade at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini where he had assaulted a high ranking official within the premises of the office, with another underworld figure, was witnessed live by millions of Sri Lankans. This act which was condemned by an overwhelming majority of the country was soon forgotten. The journalists who resisted the minister and won the battle that day lost their way. Many of them faced ‘slashings and cuttings’ from a mysterious hand. To this day no one knows the identity of the mysterious hand. Neither the victims nor the law enforcement authorities seem to care. Like many other mysteries in this country this too fell within the ‘investigations pending’ category.
Among the plethora of episodes the tying of a Samurdhi worker to a tree stands out. Just as this action was being scrutinized, lo and behold the victim sends a letter to the minister, who in turn tables it in parliament, thanking the minister for his courageous action. The victim writes that he volunteered to this act of humiliation for the greater good of the country. This was after his family publicly stated that they feared for the life of their loved ones. But this is Sri Lanka and we are to excuse a casual slip up like that.
Next was the episode of the Peliyagoda fish market. The St. John’s fish market which was relocated to Peliyagoda. The smell of fish was yet to overtake the area when the minister and his goons were accused of demanding ransoms from the traders who have been in this trade for generations. They rose against him and the ‘top’ had to intervene to settle the dispute. The army and the STF were deployed for a few days due to the revolt. But that was it. No culprit was bought to the book. Again most conveniently this fell within the ‘Investigations pending category.”
Mervyn Silva is a law unto him- self. The People in his electorate by fear or favour have gone into a coil, afraid to speak up. The powers that be have continuously insulted the intelligence of their fellow subjects and let Silva be Silva. If we are to write about the multitude of incidents these pages would not suffice and the incidents are only the ones that are reported. There could be many thousands of other incidents which go unreported and don’t see the light of day. But what is clear is that this man does not reflect to be an individual who could make law in this country. The general population of this country does not deserve to be governed by such an individual. If at all he should be confined to the television where he seems to have found his knack - entertainment par excellence.
Today those who played “yes sir” to him have fallen out of favour and the allegations come from within. The very people who accuse Silva were the ones who toiled to bring him into power. According to them it was a mistake and they apologized accordingly. It is these local councillors who accuse Silva of ‘extortion’ and ‘terror’. Not the media and not the public, but the very members who acted so openly in the Silva drama of which the episodes continue. Would this be the instance where law in its real sense takes its course? Or would it be another case of “pending investigations?” Only time will tell.