Two Former Ministers to Stand Trial Next Year

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo High Court scheduled the trial of former Minister Mervyn Silva for January 19, in a case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). 

The case was heard before High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail.

According to the indictment, Silva is accused of violating the Bribery Act by unlawfully acquiring assets worth approximately Rs. 150 million during his tenure as a minister between 2010 and 2012, exceeding his lawful income.

Meanwhile, the High Court also fixed March 9 as the date for the trial of former Minister Piyankara Jayaratne. 

CIABOC alleges that while serving as Minister of Civil Aviation, Jayaratne committed an offense of corruption by influencing officials of the Civil Aviation Authority to deposit Rs. 494,000 into a bank account in Chilaw.

Judge Mohamed Mihail issued these orders after considering submissions made during today’s hearing.