Mervyn quits or sacked?

Controversial politician Mervin Silva has resigned from his post as non-cabinet Labour Minister and his seat in Parliament – amidst conflicting reports on whether he quit or was asked to quit.
His letter of resignation was handed over to the President amidst reports that he was asked by the President to step down in the aftermath of his recent fiasco at the Rupavahini Corporation and the embarrassment caused to the Government by allegations of involvement with underworld elements and drug dealers.
The Sunday Times learns the President has also ordered Police Chief Victor Perera to arrest Mr. Silva’s personal bodyguards who were involved in the Rupavahini incident on December 27.
However, Mr. Silva when contacted by The Sunday Times said he had decided to resign and the decision was his and his alone. He was not told by the President to quit. Asked of reports that he was to be appointed to the Constitutional Council, Mr. Silva said he would like to be a member of the CC. On Friday, Mr. Silva returned his official vehicles to the ministry and told his personal staff not to report to work tomorrow.
Meanwhile Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga denied that Silva was being given a CC slot. Asked whether the controversial Minister was being appointed to the Council, he replied by SMS: “No. I saw the news item and I thought it was Mervyn’s wish.”Speaking to media, Silva confirmed that he will quit Parliament. Asked why he was resigning, he said: “Because I’m going to join the Constitutional Council.” Asked, then, whether he was joining as the Presidential nominee, he replied: “Of course.

There is no other big post for me in the Constitutional Council”. He refused to say when he was resigning. The Organisation of Professional Associations recently broke a deadlock among minor parties by negotiating the appointment of former Auditor General, C. S. Mayadunne to a contentious CC slot. However, the President had yet to appoint his nominee.

“Technically, the President can nominate anybody he wants and it’s not subject to anybody’s approval,” commented Elmore Perera, OPA president, yesterday.