Brawl Involving Mervin’s Son at Night Club - Updates 2

Malaka tried to grab the white-skinned girl from the lover ...   and harass her
     -- Police say as evidenced on CCTV

The Colombo CID yesterday (11) told courts that Manoj Malaka Silva, son of Minister Mervin Silva had attempted to grab the British girl from her lover and was subjected to harassment with the intention of causing sexual harassment, prior to the brawl that took place a few days ago at Rythmn and Blues night club in Bambalapitiya.

According to 'B' reports presented to courts by the CID, the statement of Palihawadana Ranasingha Aarachchige Jayaratna who gave evidence about happenings that took place that night in addition to
the CCTV footage relevant to the incident where ASP Mr. W.M. Chandratillaka expressed the above in courts producing an additional report relevant to the incident. Further evidence was so furnished by the CID in open courts to the effect that information has been revealed about the attempt made by Manoj Malaka Silva to take advantage of the said foreign girl in relation to sexual purposes.

This case came up for hearing yesterday (11) because of the JMO's report. As such, the JMO's report was handed over to courts by the CID. According to the said report, it was revealed in courts that the condition of Manoj Malaka Silva was serious in relation to the injuries he had suffered.

Minister Mervin Silva, father of the accused in this case appeared in the company of a large crowd yesterday (11) in courts. President's Counsel Mr. Jayantha Weerasekera appearing in courts on behalf of the suspect Manoj Malaka Silva forwarded a large number of judgments and began to give a detailed description: "The 'sudda' assaulted us. Upto now he has not been remanded.  Malaka whom the whole country knows has been asked to appear at an identification parade. The 'sudda' whom nobody knows .... there's no parade whatsoever. Why isn't the law enforced on Malaka not so done for 'sudda?' Certain police officers think that this is a colonial country. In a few days' time the 'sudda' will make his way out of the country. Both 'B' reports issued to the police  ... it is stated that the 'sudda' has assaulted Malaka. Is this the way law is enforced on Asian dark-skinned people?

It was one Tiran Romesh Kulatunga who initially lodged a complaint that Malaka was assaulted. That person became sick ... was hospitalised ... there are medical reports. A police officer called Neville Silva had spoken to him over the phone and has asked him to come to police and give a statement. He is the prosecutor. Now he says that he also is necessary for this. We produce 3 individuals who were there that day. Viskam Wimalaratna, Rukshan Wijeysekera and Tiran Romesh Kulatunga are those three. (Three persons come forward in courts).

Courts:  Are these people required as suspects?

Colombo CID:  They are necessary. But still records have not been forwarded to courts regarding it.

Attorney-at-Law Mr. Avendra Rodrigo who appeared in courts on behalf of the prejudiced party, the Scottish national James Francis Hussel (43) and his lover British national Blenda McKenzie (24): "I didn't come here to sling mud at anybody. According to the evidence that has been presented, there is an opportunity to take the incident to the Attorney-general. That means this incident has gone so far as sexual harassment. This has happened to foreigners. We don't hide. We came for a tour. They celebrated a birthday. My client is an Engineer. They can't be loitering at police stations.

My Lord, even already a large crowd has spoken over the phone and even sent SMS asking that this incident be brought to a settlement. There are still persons under suspicion regarding this incident. Upto now they are in hiding. Complaints have been filed against these suspects in Supreme Courts ....for similar incidents like this. One foreigner died in Tangalla.

The fair-skinned person thinks that it was by God's grace that his lover has just escaped group or collective rape.

Lord .... from the blow aimed at my client, he sustained injury. There is evidence to prove it. (The lawyer gets ready to produce his evidence to courts. At that moment, opposing lawyers try to prevent it and bring forward other points).

Attorney-at-Law, Anton Senanayaka: Can kill a fowl and smear blood and show it.

Attorney-at-Law, Avendra Rodrigo: Lord .... the colour of blood of the 'sudda' also is red.

Colombo CID: Lord ... the inquiry is still in its investigation stages. The charges have still not been filed. We shall produce complete CCTV footage at the next hearing. My Lord.... the Colombo CID doesn't bend in four. I say that with responsibility. We don't bend to this and that side. We carry on our duties according to the framework of the law. We need those three who have appeared before courts.

The Magistrate who considered these matters presented in courts postponed the matter of bail for Malaka Silva for next 18th and ordered the Prison Commissioner to produce the suspect in courts on that date.

The case of the foreigner assaulting Malaka Silva was called at the same instance yesterday (11).

What Attorney-at-Law Mr. Asela Rekawa who represented the prejudiced party said was as to why the foreigner who assaulted his client is not being taken into custody.

As such, the Magistrate instructed the Colombo CID to forward a report in that connection on next 18th and postponed the case till that date.

Note-- Nimanthi Ranasingha