The Bribery and Corruption Commission filed indictments yesterday (27) at the Colombo High Court against former Minister Mervyn Silva on charges of accumulating over Rs. 150 million in unexplained wealth over two years. The money was allegedly used to purchase several properties and luxury vehicles at high prices, indicating misuse of funds.
According to the indictment, the former Minister is accused of amassing assets beyond his lawful income between March 31, 2010, and March 31, 2012.
The Bribery Commission stated that the accused spent:
Rs. 71.4 million to purchase land on Ernest De Silva Mawatha, Colombo 07
Rs. 13.4 million to purchase land in Kadawatha
Rs. 32.4 million to buy a Mercedes-Benz for his son, Malaka Silva
Rs. 32.4 million to buy a Benz car for his use
Rs. 28 million to purchase a Discovery Sport V8 Jeep
Over Rs. 5.5 million to buy a Hyundai car
It is also alleged that these purchases were made using funds held in 48 accounts maintained at public and private banks. Furthermore, some of the money was used to settle loans obtained from certain banks. The properties and vehicles in question are considered to be assets converted from bribes or acquired through bribery, under Section 23(a)(1) of the Bribery Act, making them punishable under Section 23(a)(3) of the same Act.
The indictment, signed by the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption, names the accused as Hewa Koparage Mervin Silva, residing at No. 2/296, Udyana Road, Colombo 05. The prosecution has listed a large number of witnesses to support the charges.
