A telecommunications engineer by profession, he originates from the Chiefly village of Lomanikoro in the province of Rewa.
Silatolu was appointed Assistant Minister of Health in the interim government organized by Laisenia Qarase in July 2000.
He contested the general election held to restore democracy in September 2001 as a candidate of the Conservative Alliance, comprising mostly Speight-sympathizers, but lost his seat to his cousin, Ro Teimumu Kepa of the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua.
Silatolu said that he supported the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill, a controversial piece of legislation promoted by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and Attorney-General Qoriniasi Bale.
The legislation would have established a Commission empowered to compensate victims and pardon perpetrators of coup-related offenses.