Mahindananda sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment

29 May 2025 11:27 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 86 Bookmark

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By Bhagya Silva

Colombo, May 29 (Daily Mirror) - A three-judge bench of the High Court today sentenced former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.

He was sentenced after finding him guilty of causing a financial loss to the government exceeding Rs. 53 million.

Between September and December 2014, carrom and checker boards imported by the Sathosa institution in Colombo were allegedly distributed to sports clubs for political purposes during the previous presidential election period.

Before the verdict was delivered, the counsel representing the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed the court that the accused had abused the powers of their official positions and committed wrongful acts. As a result of these offenses, the government had incurred a loss of over Rs 53 million in public funds, thereby causing significant harm to the general public.

CIABOC therefore requested the court to deliver a judgment that would serve as a deterrent to others who might intend to commit similar offenses, while also encouraging those who stand against corruption.

Comments - 86

Music to my ears Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:30 AM

Just one case. More karma of good deeds to come his way!

4 362

Zarook Thursday, 29 May 2025 04:15 PM

Next regime change; Usup and Hulangona get ready.

2 5

Rogue Thursday, 29 May 2025 05:09 PM

Thumbs down are from the Rajapaksa family, Ranil, and their Stooges.

0 11

Pusa Thursday, 29 May 2025 05:48 PM

...and he got caught for scamming carom boards. That is funny !! On a different note, isn't Satosa suppose to be in the food business ?

0 6

Mahila Friday, 30 May 2025 07:27 AM

NO. They included more than food. They were in general merchandise too, including SPORTS GOODS!!?? Cricket Bats and Balls, Tables Tennis Racquets, Soccer Balls!!?? "Sathosa" (Sinhala) stands for “Cooperative Wholesale Establishment” (CWE) Originally English and after 1956 “Sathosa”, which acted as Wholesale Importer and Distributor of all controlled goods including Food, General merchandise for the Cooperative Stores Island wide which was main source for island-wide distribution especially during the War Years and thereafter until IMPORT liberalisation in 1977-78!?

0 7

Pusa Thursday, 29 May 2025 05:53 PM

Rigorous imprisonment means he will get to work on his bandy gediya...LOL

0 8

M Akthar Thursday, 29 May 2025 06:41 PM

There is nothing much to dance. Mahindananda is a sprat compared with bond scamers. Pity on him who said that he couldn't sleep until the Seeya responsible for bond scam was shown the way to prison what present rulers also wanted.

1 7

M Akthar Thursday, 29 May 2025 06:41 PM

There is nothing much to dance. Mahindananda is a sprat compared with bond scamers. Pity on him who said that he couldn't sleep until the Seeya responsible for bond scam was shown the way to prison what present rulers also wanted.

1 2

ARE THEY FOLLOWING MAINAS METHODS ? Thursday, 29 May 2025 08:00 PM

People celebrated with fire crackers, could not see even after 2/3 victory!!!! Hilarious.....

0 7

Astrologer Saturday, 31 May 2025 11:28 AM

His horoscope indicates olanetary changes which will last 20 years.

0 1

Lennard Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:37 AM

Oh My-God....I Don't Believe it...because last time I check every guilty Verdict handed down with a Superficial-Suspension being attached. We only see this level of authenticity in western countries. Well done Sri Lankan Judiciary. We are proud of you.

4 282

E Sarath Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:38 AM

Every day cannot be Christmas. It had been the practice of politicians to commit all sorts of crimes and just go Scot free, while the voiceless are being punished. That’s the reason, why offenders with political clout took the law into their hands. Irrespective of social status of the offenders, according to the law of the land, justice should be meted out equally to all compatible with the rule of law. Good deterrent action! Kudos to the government!

2 205

Iwazaru Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:40 AM

The dice has finally started to roll.

2 199

Lion Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:41 AM

NPP government should be protected at every cost and if not for them these rouges would have been still in action to fleece this poor country. Hail the judiciary and nation’s sincere gratitude to the 3 eminent judges. Well done Sir

8 240

Godfather Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:42 AM

Better if the money could be recovered , get the other crooks as well. Both Dumindas have a companion now.

2 156

Perera Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:57 AM

The courts should also confiscate his assets to the tune of 53 million. After all it’s ultimately tax payer funds that belongi to the people of SL.

2 132

Mina Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:43 AM

Hats off to 3 judges, Sir ,nation’s respect to you 3

2 203

Amaran Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:27 PM

YES, those who LOVE our motherland would NOT have committed such a crime. Next WW....

2 97

Citizen Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:39 PM

OUR MOTHERLAND FUTURE OUR KIDS LIFE STARTED. LONG AND PEACEFUL LIFE FOR HONORABLE JUDGES.

2 64

Kandy man Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:44 AM

At last the freedom of judiciary prevailed.

0 160

Nihal S Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:44 AM

Excellent. But aren't there actions to recover the financial loss to the Government from him? This was the case for Chandrasena as well, there is no plan to recover lost money.

113 93

Democrat Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:46 AM

Nation is already celebrating the news as the country is beginning to enjoy the fruits of judicial actions .

1 129

Last chance Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:48 AM

All Those Who have earned wealth through illegal means may be shattering even in their sleep.

0 106

HUNT THEM DOWN ONE BY ONE Thursday, 29 May 2025 04:57 PM

LAST CHANCE WAS WITH THE PREVIOUS GOVT/S WHO SET THE FLOOR FOR CORRUPTION TO COME IN AND RAGE FREELY. NO MORE LAST CHANCES KARMA IS COMING TO ALL THE CORRUPT SCUM WHO GOT INTO POLITICS TO HOODWINK THE PEOPLE AND BUILD THEIR WEALTH PORTFOLIOS.

1 4

Oberver Thursday, 29 May 2025 07:18 PM

Yes indeed. Prasanna Ranathunga, weerawansa, , siripala, Hiran , Negombo guy ( name forgotten)….in the list. Time and clean judiciary will talk!!!!

0 6

Rohan Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:50 AM

He will be granted bail in a few weeks when he appeals. Until the SC says he is guilty is is NOT 'technically' guilty.

221 29

Lion Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:00 PM

Same decision will be given as the judges indicated that the prosecution has proved the case beyond any reasonable doubt.

0 102

PunkaLatha Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:07 PM

Keep on dreaming, bayya!

3 110

Sam Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:52 AM

System is working. This is what we expected from the new Government, i.e. let the judiciary to hear all (suspended) cases under Rajapakse independently. As per the information reported, Keheliya

1 78

Lokka Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:53 AM

Those days small fish like Salaya, now big fish like 100 K G tunas

1 60

Spartacus Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:55 AM

Excellent news. This fellow hasca number of apartments in UK and also houses in Colombo 7 and Nawala. All for nothing, because his final resting place is Prison.

0 72

Sumedha Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:00 PM

The wheels of justice are finally turning. May SL prosper!

0 79

Champion Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:04 PM

Carron and checker board inside but all the mother boards are still outside.

1 47

Priyan66 Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:05 PM

My vote to NPP is not wasted as they take culprits who stolen public money to the courts and we hats off our judiciary with gratitude for their actions.

7 77

CitizenP Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:06 PM

We are happy to see independent judiciary in this country.

0 71

Jagath Leanage Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:12 PM

Hats off to our judiciary. We were awaiting such decision.

0 70

Abthul Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:12 PM

"We are proud that a judgment was made against corrupt former Politician as well as the officials who stole taxpayer money, and crucially, this happened because politicians didn't interfere with the legal system. This outcome proves that voting for the JVP was the right decision." This pride is directed specifically at Sri Lanka's legal system, indicating a belief that it functioned correctly in this instance. Extending pride to "Sri Lankan" (the nation or its systems) shows this is seen as a positive moment for the country itself. Well Done!

0 72

Ananda Bopage Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:14 PM

Here we go, happy to see this is happening in Sri Lanka. Take all his assets to the state. By the way, can someone clarify whether the case was filed under NPP government or Ranil Government?

152 22

Dr Tissa Fernando Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:22 PM

Filed under Ranil's, but they were dragging their feet as is the case with all the past corrupted governments.

2 118

navratne willamune Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:14 PM

Credit to AKD for creating an atmosphere of no tollarance of corruption in govern ment and semi governmental organisation. the private sector too need to take action.

2 81

NS Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:21 PM

System is working. Very happy.

0 63

sam Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:23 PM

This is one case there are many more to go behind?

0 47

Izzy Thursday, 29 May 2025 04:34 PM

Yes, you mean the Rajapakse clan!

0 3

Lk Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:25 PM

All money must be taken back to government treasury: that is the main thing : not punishing them : Take all money money money

0 43

Summa Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:34 PM

CARROM or KARMA ?¿

0 34

Ramesh Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:42 PM

NPP is taking revenge on SLPP

88 6

Newton's 3rd Law Thursday, 29 May 2025 02:18 PM

SLPP has taken revenge on all of us and the country. Is this payback time?

3 46

Concern Being Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:54 PM

53 Million loss to government, that burden is on all of us, Well Done to the three judge bench of high court, We applaud you for this, Confiscate his assets to recover this loss, not to put it on our shoulder as we already carry such a burden.

0 30

L jayasingha Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:59 PM

76 years later a politico goes to jail for corruption !! NPP started delivering through the proper channels ! Salut to our Judiciary ! May we see many rogues filling the jails

1 33

Ram P Thursday, 29 May 2025 01:16 PM

He will appeal and the appeal hearing will take another 5 years or more. He will be amongst us during the appeal

34 11

Rip Winkle Thursday, 29 May 2025 01:18 PM

I'm beginning to have faith in the judiciary of Sri Lanka at last! Well done and please don't stop now!

1 53

Pranagamage Ranil Thursday, 29 May 2025 01:18 PM

nahi verena veranee.

41 3

Batalandage Wickie Thursday, 29 May 2025 02:21 PM

Same to you!

0 17

Mahindaandna Thursday, 29 May 2025 01:31 PM

When i am 60 he will be out of jail. So happy to see him at that time.

0 17

Ro Bert Thursday, 29 May 2025 01:39 PM

Still more to go in until I Support Mr.,President AKD …. Love from Jaffna ‘Che’ AKD

1 23

Alam Thursday, 29 May 2025 01:45 PM

Confisticate the assets,

0 20

Kadmin Thursday, 29 May 2025 01:47 PM

Like to hear what SLPP would say about the outcome.

0 19

Wisdom related 15 centuries ago for mankind Thursday, 29 May 2025 01:48 PM

"CIABOC requested the court to deliver a judgment that would serve as a deterrent to others who might intend to commit similar offenses." A judgement has twin purposes. 1. It should serve as a punishment to the offender not to repeat. 2. It should deter any greedy/ weak minded guy who might intend to commit similar crime in the future. This is the wisdom related 15 centuries ago for mankind. By the way, how do you punish the Alibaba of this group?

0 14

ANNE CUNT Thursday, 29 May 2025 01:51 PM

best news i have heard in my lifetime NPP you won the next election

1 20

UPR Thursday, 29 May 2025 01:51 PM

Take breathe and examin these cases with broderie perspective. These cases were filed during Yahapalana government.It took good 8-10 years to finish these cases.They would definitely appeal against these orders. They would be granted bail until appeals are heard. It may take at least another two years to know the final verdict.Same process will follow for the cases filed by this regime.We need fair and quick judicial system.

0 23

Sobers Thursday, 29 May 2025 02:10 PM

Occasion to celebrate. Politicians in Srilanka became ruthless rouges. They were swindling and robbing public money, courtesy through their leaders. I wish and pray more verdicts in a similar way .Thanks NPP and the judges with courage. Also we have a mercurial Bribery Commission head Mr.Ranga Disanayake.

0 20

Sameer Thursday, 29 May 2025 02:13 PM

Finally we can see some bright light in the dark tunnel, kudos to the judges for sentencing a powerful political figure, I'm sure this judgment would have shaken up alot of other politicians. Hope to see all culprits are being punished according to the crimes they have committed and Aldo would appreciate if their assets are seized as per the value they have stolen.

0 16

ajith Thursday, 29 May 2025 02:14 PM

what stops him from getting admitted to a hospital until such time that he is pardoned

0 12

Vadivelu Yogaratnam Thursday, 29 May 2025 02:27 PM

Well done, Well done God bless judiciary, God bless the president and his team, high level security must be given to all judiciary and their family members so that no threats are made, all incoming calls must be monitored for their security giving no room for culprits to make threats the judiciary. Many more culprits are in loose hope President will make the country clean one hundred percent by next election what people expect.

0 13

Tupac Thursday, 29 May 2025 02:36 PM

Looks like will get 200 years... specially babies

0 6

R Navaratnam Thursday, 29 May 2025 02:37 PM

Judges know better than me when it comes to sentencing. Yet I thought a financial fine should also have been included. I also thought the eligibility for pardon should have been mentioned after serving a certain number of years.

0 7

jans Thursday, 29 May 2025 02:39 PM

MR/ RW PROTECTED KEPT BLIND EYE TO THEIR CRONIES NOW CARROM CHECKERS ARE INSIDE BUT BIG HEADS CHECKERS ARE FREELY ENJOYING AT STATE EXPENSES WELL DONE AKD OUR VOTES NOT WASTED

0 13

Ali Baba Thursday, 29 May 2025 02:42 PM

You work you way up starting with each of the Forty Thieves.

0 11

Guppi Thursday, 29 May 2025 02:48 PM

Thank you NPP! I am elated!

3 19

Leslie Wijesinghe (Journalist) Friday, 30 May 2025 01:04 PM

Thanks a million to the Hon. Judge who gave the right punishment for Mahinananda Aluthgamage, if it is 25 years rigorous imprisonment it would have been very much better. Anyway, 20 years is OK, doubtful whether he will live for another 5 years. Dam sinner... Dam sinner....

0 2

Aquarius Thursday, 29 May 2025 03:25 PM

Well done, if there is any legal means to confiscate all his assets, then the whole episode can be put to bed. His assets are peoples money in his name now.

0 11

I started to have some faith in our Judiciary system Thursday, 29 May 2025 04:00 PM

Please confiscate his ill gotten wealth for the love of my people, we do not have to feed these leeches.

0 3

VJ Thursday, 29 May 2025 04:12 PM

A good start, many more to be netted. This man owns assets disproportional to his known income. Investigate and confiscate such assets and also penalize him.

0 2

Dulcie Thursday, 29 May 2025 04:50 PM

The following arrogant and haughty individuals need to be dealt with asap. Ponil Wickremasinghe, Naaki Siya, Dutugemunu Silva, Pagapala De Silva, Ravi Horanayake, Ratharan from Kalutara, Kehelkan Rambukwalla

0 1

Pusa Thursday, 29 May 2025 05:02 PM

Based on this logic, NPP ministers will need to be put in jail too, because , they too use government funds for political purpose, example Rs 5 billion for Clean Sri Lanka j do far only propaganda and T shirts have been done except cleaning. Also releasing 323 containers without inspection should attract even more years of prison. I think this will be overrun at appeal because in this case he distributed the items to Sports Clubs which are community groups open to public. If he was convicted of the fertilizer deal them that would have had sone merits.

7 0

NO ONE CAL FOOL THE PEOPLE AND JUSTICE ALL OF THE TIME, SO HAVE FAITH THE JUDGES WILL ACT IN THE INTEREST OF THE COUNTRY AND US ALL. IF PROOF IS THERE MORE TO GO DOWN ONE BY ONE. Thursday, 29 May 2025 05:20 PM

NOW THE MAJORITY MUST GET THEIR SPIRITS UP AND BELIEVE IN WHAT ANURA/NPP PROMISED THE PEOPLE. CATCHING THE CROOKS IS NOT EASY IT TAKES TIME, PROCEDURES AND PROCESSES HAVE TO BE FOLLOWED, SOME CASES NEW INVESTIGATIONS AS THE OLD HAS BEEN ARRIVED WITH POLITICAL INFLUENCE. STAY THE COURSE AND KEEP PRAYING, JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED TO THE GOVEMENT AND THE PEOPLE. HOPE THE GOVT TURNS A PART OF THE PRISON INTO KARMA WARD.

1 3

RanjithT Thursday, 29 May 2025 05:33 PM

If anyone misuses public funds they should be punished to the maximum of the law. There should not be an argument on that. Hope that the evidence provided has proven the case beyond reasonable doubt. Justice system is very strange. A good lesson fort those engage in corrupt practices.

0 2

Vishwamitra Thursday, 29 May 2025 06:02 PM

Has he been transferred to Prisons Hospital or National Hospital Merchants Ward which is the usual route for Politicians. Get him examined by a foreign doctor panel.

0 2

Banda Thursday, 29 May 2025 06:20 PM

Out in 20 days!

0 2

Grace Thursday, 29 May 2025 07:19 PM

What about the one who was intoxicated with power told the poor gullible people scornfully that there were Mal Salawa near government hospitals. I am waiting to hear soon he too will get like this punishment.

0 1

Time is right Thursday, 29 May 2025 07:36 PM

Pls close all the prison hospitals asap. If they need medical care send the Dr to prison. It’s anyway going to be cheaper

0 3

D.K.D. Peter Silva (Nawalapitiya) Friday, 30 May 2025 12:48 PM

This is the right punishment given by Hon. Judge, honestly what a lot of damage and losses he had caused for the public. He had taken over the Railway Quarters and Imboolpitiya estate Nawalapitiya and distributed to his friends and relations dividing in to plots. CID must check on this too as he had only issued with bogus deeds.

0 2

Dr. (Mrs) Vasantha Rajakaruna Friday, 30 May 2025 12:59 PM

I can still remember, he sends his gangsters to all Estates in his district and collect the polling cards forcibilly and feed them with Arrack bottles and cash rewards. Somehow he uses those polling cards marked against his party and name and how many times he was elected. My God .... he is such a nasty politician who suppressed the Nawalapitiya people with his illegal money. Now God had given the right punishment.

0 5

M.W. Punchi Banda Friday, 30 May 2025 01:01 PM

He drinks a bottle of Red Label Whisky daily all alone with a full fried chicken - this was told by his cook who is a cousin of mine.

0 3

ajith Monday, 02 June 2025 03:12 PM

what about the royal family-still Scott free. Please start with the fake lawyer-Prince

0 0

Lal.Fernando. Tuesday, 03 June 2025 06:39 AM

If anyone have a look straight into the EYES of Aluthgamage you can see very clearly this MONSTER is a LYER. I have watched him several times him in the Sri Lanka parliamentary debates, he always tend to insult the opposition, the way he puts his argument is sometime with no basis what so ever. WHAT HE GOT WHAT HE DESERVES.

0 0

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