Sri Lanka President removes rogue minister Mervyn Silva from his portfolio

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa controversial Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva M.P from his portfolio of Deputy Minister of Highways, the President's Media Office announced just a short while ago.


Deputy Minister Silva and the government came under strong criticism after he tied a Samurdhi officer to a tree in Kelaniya on August 3, for failing to attend a dengue prevention programme organized by the government.
The move caused island wide protests by Samurdhi officers who demanded the government to take action against the Deputy Minister.
Several governing party members and ministers met with the President last week to discuss the issue and take action.
Members of the opposition in parliament have also strongly criticized Silva's actions.
Local media reports said the Deputy Minister has also been removed from the party membership.
Political analysts criticized the Minister's behaviour as an embarrassment to a government striving to uplift the country and its population.