Mervyn in the CC a big joke – Ameratunga

by Zacki Jabbar
Labour Minister Mervyn Silva’s claim of "taking up a position" in the Constitutional Council, after he resigns his National List seat and ministerial portfolio this week, is nothing but a "big joke", the UNP’s Vice Chairman John Ameratunga said yesterday.
"The CC, should comprise persons who have earned the public’s respect and it is common knowledge that Mervyn does not fall into that category, even though he has the prefix ‘Doctor’," he told The Island.Ameratunga said that on inquiring from President Mahinda Rajapaksa as to why he was delaying the already recommended appointments to the Constitutional Council, he had referred to "some objections" against the minority parties’ nominee - former Auditor General S. C. Mayadunne."But on making inquiries among the relevant parties, I found that there was no objection, as referred to by the President." "I have already written to the President requesting him to establish the new CC without any further delay, since there is no opposition whatsoever to Mr. Mayadunne’s appointment.
He is a distinguished former Auditor General who has exposed corruption in the public service, including the billion rupee VAT scam." Meanwhile, political sources speculated that Mervyn’s claim of taking up a position in the CC was a master plan by Rajapaksa to further delay appointments to the new CC."The very mention of Mervyn’s name would result in all persons recommended for appointment to the CC, with the exception of government repre sentatives, howling in protest. Such a scenario would be ideal for President Rajapaksa who is obviously not keen on establishing a widely represented CC, which would be an impediment to his one man rule", the sources added.
Ameratunga, commenting on the SLFP Central Committee probe report, into the December 27,2007 assault of Rupavahini Corporation News Director T.M.G. Chandrashekara by Mervyn and his thugs, due to be released this week, said that one need not be a soothsayer to predict the outcome."The President is openly backing Mervyn and will ensure that he is exonerated. In addition Mervyn will be elevated further in the party hierarchy, as a reward for his conduct," he said.