Mervyn Silva’s massive wealth under court scrutiny
Court filings in the over Rs. 600 million illicit assets case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Minister Mervyn Silva have revealed details of bank accounts, fixed deposits, properties and vehicles allegedly belonging to him and his family members.
Over Rs. 182 mn. in Pan Asia Bank fixed deposits
According to the indictment, Silva maintained 10 fixed deposit accounts at Pan Asia Bank’s Kollupitiya branch with a combined value exceeding Rs. 182.3 million.
The deposits allegedly included fixed deposits of Rs. 60 million, Rs. 36.6 million, Rs. 36.5 million and Rs. 22.5 million.
Court documents further state that he maintained 05 additional fixed deposit accounts at the same branch, each with balances exceeding Rs. 3.3 million.
Travellers warned against carrying others’ baggage
Sri Lanka Customs has urged the public not to carry parcels or baggage belonging to others when travelling, warning that unsuspecting passengers could be used to transport illegal items, including narcotics.
Customs Spokesman – Chandana Punchihewa said individuals could become involved in serious criminal offences without knowing the contents of the items they are carrying.
Punchihewa cited a previous incident in which a 19-year-old was allegedly used in a drug smuggling operation, with the consignment brought in under the youth’s name while another individual was aware of its contents.
He said Customs officers have also encountered cases where even close family members had unknowingly been used in such instances.
The spokesman warned that illegal substances can be concealed in ways that are difficult to detect, even by people who personally inspect their baggage.
He further cautioned travellers against accepting free travel
3 including 2 ex-cops given rigorous imprisonment
The Colombo High Court has sentenced 02 former police officers and another man to rigorous imprisonment over charges including robbery following a dispute.
The verdict was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Rashmi Singappuli after a lengthy trial.
The Attorney General had filed the case against the 03 accused over allegations that a dispute at a restaurant in Dehiwala in 2008 had escalated into a robbery.
The man convicted in the case was sentenced to 05 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Meanwhile, the two former police officers who were also found guilty were each sentenced to 03 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Road development projects hit by bitumen shortage
Officials of the Road Development Authority (RDA) have informed the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) that a number of road construction projects have been suspended due to a shortage of bitumen.
The issue was raised during a recent meeting of the Committee held in Parliament.
RDA officials said that only one shipment of bitumen had been imported between the end of February 2026, when the Middle East conflict began, and this month.
They noted that the shipment was secured during a brief ceasefire.
According to the officials, bitumen imported from Iran is the only type considered suitable for Sri Lanka’s climatic conditions.
They added that the ongoing situation in the Middle East has created major difficulties in securing further supplies.
The officials also informed the Committee that 549 road sections were damaged by Cyclone Ditwah and that Rs. 64.3 billion has been allocated for their rehabilitation
Heavy rain above 100 mm, strong winds forecast today
Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in the Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today (July 31), the Department of Meteorology stated.
Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places.
A few showers may occur in Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts.
Mainly dry weather will prevail over the other areas of the island.
Meanwhile, strong winds of about 40-50kmph can be expected at times over the Northern, North-central, Northwestern and Central provinces and in the Rathnapura, Monaragala, Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.