Sri Lanka Ex‑Minister Mervyn Silva Faces Court Over Rs 600 Million Unexplained Assets

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has filed a case against former Labour and Public Relations Minister Mervyn Silva, alleging that he amassed assets worth more than Rs 600 million during his two‑year tenure from 31 March 2010 to 31 March 2012. The prosecution claims the wealth, estimated at around Rs 485 million, cannot be accounted for by his legitimate income.

The case is scheduled for hearing on 20 August before Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail. Bank officials from several leading institutions are expected to testify about numerous fixed‑deposit accounts, high‑value land purchases, luxury vehicles and other financial transactions linked to Silva and his family. Notable deposits include more than Rs 182 million in a Pan Asia Bank branch, as well as sizable accounts held jointly with his wife J. A. Mary Lucida Silva and his son Malaka Manojith Silva. Assistant Director Ama Wijesinghe of CIABOC is leading the prosecution.