Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Sports Federation, who also served as Minister of Trade, Nalin Fernando, have been found guilty by a three-judge bench of the Colombo High Court. The charges pertain to the misappropriation of Rs. 53 million in public funds through the unauthorized purchase and distribution of sports equipment during the 2015 presidential election.
The court determined that the two individuals were responsible for procuring 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 dam boards through the Sri Lanka Sports Federation and distributing them to various sports associations, causing a significant financial loss to the government.
As a result, former Chairman Nalin Fernando was sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment, while former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage received a sentence of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Prior to the delivery of the verdict, the legal representative of the Bribery Commission emphasized in court that the accused had grossly misused their official powers, leading to a serious breach of public trust. She noted that this misconduct resulted in a loss of over Rs. 53 million—public funds collected through taxes—ultimately burdening the citizens of the country.
The Bribery Commission’s counsel further urged the court to deliver a verdict that would serve as a strong deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar acts of corruption and, at the same time, inspire those committed to upholding integrity and accountability in public service.
Following a thorough examination of the evidence and arguments presented, the High Court bench, chaired by Justice Mahen Weeraman, announced the judgment accordingly.
