Mervyn denies attacking JVPer

Minister of Labour Dr. Mervin Silva yesterday vehemently denied accusations that he was involved in attacking a JVP supporter’s shop at Aralagangwila.

He said the JVP was divided and were trying to blame him for their troubles.

After the alleged incident on Sunday night, Aralagangwila Police visited the Minister at the Mahaweli holiday bungalow and recorded his statement. "I came here only last Sunday. This place is unknown to me and how could anybody expect me to get involved in a shooting incident. While trying to canvas for votes why should we antagonize the JVP?" he asked.

When media contacted JVP spokesman Vijitha Herath he said it was not anyone else but Mervin Silva himself who was responsible for the fracas at Aralagangwila on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, a special police team has been dispatched to Aralagangwila from Anuradhapura to conduct further inquiries. DIG North Central Province K. P. P. Pathirana said the Police report would be forwarded to the IGP as soon as he receives it. Meanwhile, General Secretary of the SLFP Minister Maithripala Sirisena when asked to comment said that he only heard of such an incident but was unaware of anything else.