Mervyn Reserves His Grave

Deputy Minister of Highways Mervyn Silva reserved his grave site today when he visited the Borella Cemetery to commemorate the 23rd death anniversary of famous singer H.R. Jothipala. The Minister who was standing near the grave site of the late singer amidst a small gathering of people suddenly took everyone by surprise when he said he wanted to reserve his own block as the future was unpredictable.

Minister Silva then walked over to an empty block, close to the later singer’s grave and said he wanted to reserve it for himself and immediately telephoned Special Commissioner for the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Omar Kamil. He was heard on the telephone telling Mr. Kamil to reserve the block for him.

Minister Silva then called the Chief Cemetery Keeper who was also present at the gathering and told him to remember ‘Mervyn Silva’s grave site’ and emphasized that he should be buried at that particular spot after his death.

To add more amazement to his sudden outburst, Minister Silva then turned to the amused crowd and told them that he would have purchased his coffin today if only there was space in his house. “If I could, I would even purchase my coffin now. Unfortunately I do not have space to keep it in my home,” Minister Silva said. He added, “Everyone has to die someday. The future is very unpredictable. People can have money, but this does not matter. Money cannot prevent death. Therefore I am not afraid to die,” the Minister told the amused crowd. 

Minister Silva then personally stood at his own grave site along with the Chief Cemetery Keeper and got his block marked and cleaned by the Cemetery workers.