MTV case against Minister Mervyn Silva settled

Wasantha RAMANAYAKE

Rights applications filed by a journalist and MTV Ltd. against Minister Mervin Silva was settled before the Supreme Court yesterday.

The Bench comprised Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva PC with Justice K. Sri Pavan and Justice P.A. Rathnayake PC. According to the settlement, Minister Silva stated that it had never been his intention to harm any journalist who were legally covering the event at Kelaniya. However, as an ex-gracia payment of good-will he would award the petitioners a sum of Rs. 750,000. He denied any involvement in the incident and damaging the camera equipment. He said he would not obstruct or harm media personnel covering events in the future.

The Minister gave an undertaking that he would not obstruct the petitioners in the future carrying out their duties. The Court was of the view that the settlement was just and equitable. The criminal proceedings in the High Court Colombo would not be proceeded with. Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardane instructed by Sudath Perera Associates appeared for the petitioners.

Anil Silva appeared for Minister Mervin Silva.

Deputy Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva appeared for the Attorney General.