Mahindananda gets 20 years, Nalin 25 years in corruption case

The picture shows former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Lanka Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando being escorted out of the court premises after being sentenced to 20 and 25 years respectively in connection with a Rs. 53 million corruption case. Inset, former Minister Aluthgamage was seen conversing with his lawyer inside the holding cell at the court premises. 

Pic by Ishara S. Kodikara   

• Both were found guilty of causing a financial loss of over Rs. 53 million to the government
• The loss was from carrom and checker boards given out for political gain during the 2014 election

By Bhagya Silva   

A three-judge bench of the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar yesterday sentenced former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years in prison and former Trade Minister and Lanka Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando to 25 years for causing a loss of over Rs. 53 million to the government.   

The judgement was delivered by Judges Mahen Weeraman, Pradeep Hettiarachchi and Amali Ranawera.   

Between September and December 2014, Lanka Sathosa imported carrom and checker boards, which were then given to sports clubs during the presidential election period. The court found that these items were used for political gain, leading to a major financial loss for the government.   

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) filed six charges against the two under the Bribery Act No. 20 of 1994.   

Nalin Fernando was sentenced to 25 years rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs. 400,000. Mahindananda Aluthgamage was sentenced to 20 years and fined Rs. 200,000.