The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (6 June) formally handed over an indictment to former Minister of Labour and Public Relations, Mervyn Silva, before the Colombo High Court.

The charges allege that Silva violated provisions of the Bribery Act by acquiring assets—such as high-value properties, luxury vehicles, and significant bank holdings—worth several millions of rupees, suspected to be disproportionate to his declared lawful income.

According to the commission, the alleged offences occurred between March 2010 and March 2012, during which Silva reportedly amassed a substantial portfolio of undeclared wealth. CIABOC raised concerns that these acquisitions were inconsistent with his official earnings as a government minister.

The indictment details key financial transactions, including the purchase of land in Kadawatha for approximately Rs. 13.9 million and another property on Sir Ernest de Silva Mawatha, Colombo 07, for Rs. 71.3 million. Silva is also accused of spending Rs. 32.375 million on a Mercedes-Benz vehicle for his son Malaka Silva, as well as Rs. 5.5 million on a Hyundai and Rs. 8.85 million on a Defender SUV.

The indictment was presented before Colombo High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige who ordered that Silva be released on bail.