President removes controversial minister on the promise of giving him a Cabinet portfolio in November

Lanka News Web
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The removal of Deputy Highways Minister Mervyn Silva from his portfolio and the temporary suspension of his post as SLFP Kelaniya electoral organizer and SLFP membership have been made following an agreement between the President and Mervyn, reliable sources told Lanka News Web. The decision against Mervyn was made following the controversy surrounding his action to tie a Samurdhi officer in Kelaniya to a tree last week.

The agreement between the President and Mervyn is that he would be offered a Cabinet portfolio during the Cabinet reshuffle in November after he is cleared from all charges by a disciplinary inquiry that would be initiated in the party.

A group of senior Presidential advisors have advised the President to make such a move in order to build people’s confidence in the SLFP, which is currently facing great erosion. Sources said that while the President had not agreed to such a move at first, he had later changed his mind after discussing the matter with Mervyn.

© Lanka News Web