Mervin Silva and god's punishment?

- Thinakkural Editorial

(August 09, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Dr.Mervin de Silva, Labour Minister and his followers are famous for attacks against the mediamen. He claims to be the decendant of the legendary King Dutugamuna. He learnt a bitter lesson when he threatened a media institution once. It was expected that legal action would be taken following that incident. But, it did not happen. His attacks against the media continue. We have to complain that even a section of the government seems to be lethargic.

In the present incident in Kelaniya, the Minister and unruly cohorts subjected the TV crew and other journalists to harassment and intimidation. He has even grabbed their video cameras. The media man had no option other than to complain to the police. Even the police didn't have any option other than watching it with folded hands.

All the media organizations except media under the control of the government have condemned his act. Media reports say that President Mahinda Rajapakse has severely reprimanded Minister Silva and warned him against continuing his reprehensive conduct.

Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa addressing a press conference said that he is ashamed of the actions of Minister Mervyn Silva and will take steps to prevent a similar incident occurring in the future.

Maithirpala Sirisena condemned the minister's conduct in the pres conference and observed that god will punish Mervyn de Silva. How do we interpret this? Is he trying to say that no action will be taken against Minister Mervyn Silva by the government or by the higher authorities? Is he saying that only God has to save the media men from Mervyn de Silva? In that case, what will be the plight of the media men until god punishes him?

(An English translation of the Editorial in Thinakkural, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo)
- Sri Lanka Guardian