Minister Mervyn Silva’s son Malaka Silva who is from Kelaniya had gone to Matara and organised a Dansala there. It aroused the curiosity of almost everybody. A journalist has asked him the reason for this sudden change

Q. How are you, Malaka? Don’t you have an idea of joining politics?

I have got such an idea.

Q. From where would you contest for an election?

If I get the blessings of the President, it will be from Matara. My native village is Beliatta. Many relatives of mine live in Matara and I like Matara.

Q. Is that the reason why you organised a Dansala in Matara.

I thought that even a puppet could win from Matara. I understood there was a big demand for me from Matara and decided that a great service could be done on behalf of the people of Matara.

Q.  Your native village is Beliatta. Why can”t you contest from Hambanthota?

There are many famous politicians in Hambanthota and I think there are  no suitable politicians for Matara.

Q. It is said that the senior politicians in Matara do not like your coming to Matara.

That will be decided by the people. The important thing is the blessings of the President.

Q. You are very famous as a playful character. How can you hold the responsibility of politicians?

 I can. Even Angulimala who was famous as a murderer attained Arahathood.

Q. But, you have become a notorious thug?

That is the nature of boys. I am the son of Mervin Silva. If something happens, the media will publish my picture and the incident and it will be continued for about a month. According to Jesus Christ, if somebody slaps you on one cheek, you have to offer the other cheek as well. But, my principle is to slap both cheeks of my opponent. That is my nature. But I am no longer like that. I  know how to perform my duties responsibly.

Q. What is the reason for your radical change?

I had become arrogant in the past. As a boy, I have enjoyed life to the best of my ability. I had been to foreign countries; I had become friendly with the girls. This is the nature of boyhood. If somebody thinks that is unnatural, I find that something is wrong with him. With the passage of time, anybody’s character is subject to change. I am also like that. I can do something on behalf of the people of this country.

Q. Many politicians who claim to be solving the problems of the people are going to earn money in the name of politics?

I am not greedy for money. I want to do something for the people and help the people. Some people come to me asking for help.

Q.  How can you get the money for election campaigns?

 I am going to sell all my vehicles. I can use a small vehicle. There are people who are ready to help me. It is more a question of helping the people than a question of earning money.

Q. why didn’t you think of contesting from Kelaniya?

Don’t talk about Kelaniya. The people who live in Kelaniya are ungrateful. Those who went on bicycles, have vehicles today because of my father. We have rendered a great service to Kelaniya.

Q. Your profession?

I am engaged in business. Buying and selling of vehicles.

Q. You are supposed to be using vehicles worth Rupees 30 million. What is the vehicle used by you, now?

I use all types of vehicles because I am engaged in the vehicle business.

Q. Who attacked you recently?

I also want to know who attacked me. The Police is making investigations. I think that they will be able to catch the culprits. There were about 12 to 13 persons who came to attack me. However, it will come to light in the future because it may happen when they are under the influence of liquor.

Q. What are you going to do when you find the persons who assaulted you? Will you slap them?

No, not at all, Now I am not the former Malaka.  I am a New Malaka. I practise the Buddhist teaching, “Hate does not cease by hate” Now I am a responsible Malaka. (By Dayaseeli Linyanage / Translated By R. Somasiri)