The minister was angry that the SLRC did not telecast his indecent remarks at a rally in Matara, in which President Mahinda Rajapaksa was also present.

Listen to eyewitness accounts

Demanding an apology, the SLRC workers have taken the controversial minister hostage for nearly three hours after the alleged assault.

Minister Silva, who is accused of abusing and threatening journalists in the past, was assaulted by angry workers as he left the SLRC premises escorted by army commandos.

The SLRC has telecast the whole episode live but journalists say the tape was removed from later news bulletins by the authorities.

Have your say.

Its a shame on President Mahinda Rajapaksa to have a criminal on his cabinet. Mr Rajapaksa will learn politics very soon when he cross the line of jurnalist they will react to it unitedly.
Philip Edirisinghe,Canada

Very good rupavahini people for giving a good leason. Thank you rupavahini.
Dehigaspe, Montreal, Canada

There is a saying that you should never give a monkey a razor knife. What happen here is a monkey has given not only a razor knife but also a Ministership in the world largest cabinet. This is only an episode of the Sri Lankan failing state. It is disgrace how our law and order is maintained and the behavior of the Police and Politicians. Politicians and Police should remember that they live from the tax payers money.
Dr. Rohan Wijesundara, Colombo, Sri Lanka

This minister should be the president in Sri lanka.
Laknav, France

How long will President Rajapaksa tolerate Mervyn Silva making a laughing stock of Sri Lanka in the eyes of the world community. Mervyn Silva is a clown on the world stage and an embarrassment and disgrace to all proud and loyal Sri Lankans. Enough is enough! Honorable and Esteemed President Rajapaksa please put an end to this ugly blemish on Sri Lankan pride.
Michael, USA

This "minister" and his misbegotten offspring serve only to embarrass the administration and people of SL. Why he is being kept on as a member of this government is a mystery since all he does is stumble from one shocking incident to another It's high time the president kicked this joker out.
Manju, London, UK

Mervyn has done nothing wrong, there is no evidence he assaulted anyone. But it is clear that Rupavahini staff assaulted him. Those thugs who assulted an elected minister should be punished.
Silva, Colombo, Sri Lanka

What goes around comes around. In other words, this episode is a classic example of as 'retribution'!
Gitnajali Marceline, Colombo, Sri Lanka

He got what he deserved.The Top people will not take any action against the guy since he does all their dirty work for them.
Patrick, Sri Lanka

Govenment must be remove him from the Ministerial portfolio immediately as well as from the parliament and continue the legal process against him. That will be a warning to others too.
Jayabha, Colombo, Sri Lanka

why do we toleate mervin Silva? Are we too descent.
Anusha Abey, Galle, Sri Lanka

This shows how low the Sri Lanka government minister's qualifications become. The so called Minister or thug Mr.Silva should be put into prison forever and never let alone runnig politics. I feel shame to be Sri Lankan.
Suresh Johnpillai, Oslo, Norway