by Norman Palihawadana

Deputy Labour Minister Dr. Mervin Silva yesterday dismissed a recent warning, by SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena, that disciplinary action would be taken against troublemakers.

"He is the General Secretary of the Party. He is free to comment on anything. Let him to comment on any issue. I have no trouble with that," he said. Silva said that he was not unduly concerned about over Sirisena’s remarks.

Sirisena recently vowed to initiate punitive action against coalition members, irrespective of their standing in the party and the society had they been accused of breaking the law of the land.

Anyone challenging the law would be punished he told a public meeting in Ampara where he pledged to urge President Mahinda Rajapaksa to take a tough stand on troublemakers. "I’ll take this up with the President when he returns from the US."

The remarks were made in the backdrop of National List MP Mervin Silva threatening to use his gun to overcome anyone obstructing his path. A furious Silva had declared that he would not hesitate to use force to overcome obstacles. He is on record vowing to use his government issued gun.

Although Silva never displayed his gun, SLMC strongman A. K. Baiz, MP, went a step further by openly waving his gun during a violent protest in Puttalam. Baiz is on a collision course with Rishard Bathiudeen, MP, for the control of an UAE-funded housing project.