SACKING MERVYN — A SMART MOVE
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has a habit of surprising even his most ardent critics. The latest episode is the sacking of Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva. Not stopping at that, he suspended him from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party as well.
In a country where political leaders protect their loyalists at any cost, it is refreshing that President Mahinda Rajapaksa took into account the growing public discontent with Mervyn Silva’s antics and finally took action against him. There was no real pressure on the President to act. With no elections on the horizon, the President could have let the Sri Lankans people’s “short memory syndrome” take effect. But by doing what he did, the President has shown that at least in some instances he will not tolerate brazenly thuggish behaviour from his loyalists. It is probably when public anger turned towards the President for not taking disciplinary action against Mervyn that he decided to sack him. However a President who takes note of public opinion is a welcome change. If this new attitude lasts throughout his second term the country would be better for it.
Mervyn has spent decades doing the bidding of political leaders. He has no political ideology or sense of shame. With those two attributes, he has been the darling of many a political leader. He started his climb in Sri Lankan politics by being indispensable to Sirimavo Bandaranaike after her defeat in 1977. She was followed by her son Anura, Gamini Dissanayake, Chandrika Bandaranaike and now Mahinda Rajapaksa.
His relations to the Rajapaksa clan is particularly close since he grew up in the same village — Beliatta, and has been a SLPF supporter from his youth. During his political career he has been up to all sorts of disgusting behaviour but all his patrons just laughed off his actions because he has done many “favours” to them that most others would not.
After a week of growing criticism in the country and within the ruling party Mahinda Rajapaksa acted without any warning and sacked Mervyn on Tuesday night. Up to then Mervyn appeared untouchable, having the protection of the entire Rajapaksa clan.
It appears that Mervyn became absolutely arrogant, thinking that he could ‘do anything’ and still be protected by the Rajapaksas. What he seems to have not understood is that Mahinda Rajapaksa is an astute politician. When someone becomes a serious political liability he would dump him — however close he is to him. Mervyn should have seen the danger signals when he was unceremoniously removed as Deputy Minister of Media just a couple of weeks after his appointment. Most if not all journalists were disgusted by this appointment but (with the exception of The Sunday Leader) kept silent fearing the violence Mervyn could unleash on them. But all it took was some quiet words to the President by a senior editor to get him removed.
Mervyn will make a come back. That, one can bet on. The Member of Parliament for Gampaha and now the former Deputy Minister of Highways is like a rubber ball. He has an amazing ability to bounce back. Mervyn will now go off the radar for a few weeks and even a few months before lobbying the Rajapaksas to re-appoint him as a deputy minister. We at The Sunday Leader would be the least surprised if Mervyn returns as a deputy minister as soon as the current controversy subsides. His decades old relationship with the Rajapaksa clan could not save him this time but that same relationship is the guarantee that he will be forgiven and rehabilitated.
But his carefully cultivated image of Presidential protection has been shattered. He will no longer be feared the same way he was feared up to now and Mervyn the survivor will not make the same mistake a second time.
Mervin kiyanne Maha Rja Thumage Ange Indan kana kana Ekek. Mu CIA karayekda koheda. Maha Raja Thumata wala kappanna dapu CIA ambattayek. Ara kiyamanka thiyenawane “Mithra vesayen inna hathura thamai vadath bayanaka”
Sri Lankan politics will be boring without Uncle Mervin. I hope he bounce back.
Yes, this smarter move is in store, already Mervin’s stooges are in action. Don’t be surprised
Uncle Mervyn will appear as the person who will topple the Rajapakse clan and have them all locked up at the Menik Farm to plant kocchis and make some thalagulli for the tourists.
Mervin the badu supply kolla will be back as a full-fledged cabinet minister in November. One can bet on that, for sure!!
Top notch boss, great article
The fault was not Mervyn !
It is the fault of the President who could not identify a rabid dog. On top of this total blindness he has him in his lap playing and rewarding for the services.
This underworld jungle creature had convicted killers as his security.
He became a national joke with no shame after TV studio battering.
The impotent law enforcement looked other way when his goons started attacking TV staff which stopped only after he was asked to by highest in the land.
The rabid dog continued bitting people at every corner knowing the law enforcement could not touch him.
What is the point of a president or a govt. who could not recognise this rabid behaviour for years obvious to whole of Lanka !
Mahinda is a street smart politician and the greatest leader we had.he will rehabilitate mervin.and good analysis by fredrica.she had guts to admire mahinda’s greatness .
Agreed my friend.
Since when did a complete abrogation of principle and decency become “great leadership?”
Fredrica is unbowed and unafraid and she will continue to write how she feels, she is independent and you lost me ruwan on the admired of mahindas greatness cause I didnt read anything about that in this article.
Most Sri Lankan folks do not hesitate to give the president and his team for eradicating terrorism from the land once and for all. However, people admit the deterioration of law and order along with civility during his second term which may reflect very bad on as the time goes on. T
Most Sri Lankan folks do not hesitate to give the president and his team for eradicating terrorism from the land once and for all. However, people admit the deterioration of law and order along with civility during his second term which may reflect very bad on him as the time goes on. The inactivity of the bribery commission is a case in point: who can blame the accusers of corrupiton in this climate? Let’s hope the president does not spoil his otherwise brilliant legacy by not tackling it head on.
Mervyn is not done, he will be brought back in Nov according to many reports. This is MR scam to fool people that he has dealt with Mervyn. This man is the tough guy of SL and someone needs to finally stand up to him and tell him that they are not afraid, Sajith or Mangala this is the chance to speak out against him
Mervin might end up as Minister in charge of Samurdhi.
PRIVATELY MERVIN SAYS IF HE WAS PUNISHED FOR THIS,RAJAPAKSA ALSO SHOULD BE JAILED FOR STEALING SUNAMI MONEY.
With kind approvels of Mervin.
Does Mahinda think that All Sri Lankas are fools like him. We know what his plans are. If he is genuine he should have arrested Mervyn. Mahinda why dont you just get out and leave this country. Stop ruining Sri Lanka with your brothers and your cornies. Disgusting.
i DON’T KNOW WHAT MAHINDA THINKS, BUT YOU CERTAINLY SOUND LIKE A FOOL .
Unfortunately, Mahinda knows that the majority of voters are fools like San31
In your mindset nothing the President ever does is to your liking. What do you think of the new Hambantota Port. Do you think it is going to bring prosperity to Sri Lanka or is it a move to cling to power etc. etc.?
Sacking Mervyn would not have been necessary if this idiot was not made a Minister in the first place.
I don’t dispute Mervyn is an idiot but he was elected with a thumping majority, so what does it tell about the people who elected him?
150 000 votes out of 8 million does not mean a lot. Yakos always vote a Yako!!!!
It tells any damn fool can be elected in this country if u know how to utter filth in public.
Mervin yet another casualty of Dengue Madhuruwo.
Has not the island got more pressing news than the sacking of Mervyn to warrant an editorial which is more a sycophantic servitude towards the President than an overview of paramount news.
Its better to remove Mervins wings!!!
Who fitted wings to Mervin? Why fit it to undo
Mervin committed a criminal offence, President wants Mervin, if not he will be charged on a criminal offence and jailed… this is an eyewash to please the foolish public
Shameless guttersnipe-Wonder why he was protected all this time!
What people should understand is that this man trying to drag Sri Lankan politics to 500 years backwards. Why can’t we get rid of similar politician (not only Mervin there are lot in low level) out of politic by introducing new laws. Eg: To become a peon in Gov. Sector you may need O/Ls But to become President you don’t even need to pass grade one.
There should be a filtering mechanism to eradicate and filter this kind of people. I don’t understand People in Gampaha district voting him to be their MP in first place.
Once again we (voters) are idots than this idot so we are to blame
Well done , Ms Editor a very good unbiased analysis.
Mervyn was not discrete like other dirty politicans in Sri lanka. That was his mistake.
People do not like DR but in this DENGUE issue I am all the way with him. At the same time these GOVT Officers too treat public as dirt, so the too must be taught a lesson. This is in my own experience.
He He … this is an eye wash. He will be back as a minister come November. Else he might expose all the secrets. And the list is long.
Uncle Mervyn should join uncle Ranil and tie up the UNP even more.
Oh! yes birds of a feather flock together He Mervyn will be back thanks for the warning, we are hiding and watchihg the circus that is unfolding in this beautiful island.
He has no place in UNP thats the very reason that he joined this government. He is very much active in the government, his sacking was an eye wash and an excuse. He is going to be back in november. Anuruddha Ratwatte’s name was almost forgotten but you see where is he now. As many people commented here stealing public money and corruption is a qualification to get higher positions. this regime is very rich in that regard.
Well someone is talking about qualifications for politicians George Bush No 2 can hardly read and write look what he has done to the world and to the mighty USA they are in debt upto their necks and sinking daily. The more currupt you are the higher the position you can hold it seems tobe universal.
No problem doctor. M.R. cannot stand without you. So nothing to worry you will be re-instated with honour in two months time. So be patient.
Asnka.
this is merely a PR stunt – he can still do what he likes and will be back after the UN inspection along with Wimal…
I am no friend of the Rajapakses and I abhor what Mervyn Silva had done during his tenure. Nevertheless he has a following, however misguided, and it should be recognised. That is called democracy and you cannot fault The President for that. I am happy we have the likes of Frederica Jansz to set the record straight.
MR is smart. This all a hoodwink. Mervyn knows too many criminal secrets of this governement. So MR cant really sack him permanantly,, he is only suspended,,, dont worry Mervyn wil be back… he his MR ‘s hit man !!!!
Rajage kupadiya mu. Mun denna thami ganu ussan yanne parayo.