Corruption Will Be Punished—No Exceptions | Court Sends Strong Message In Carrom Board Case

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar sentenced former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and former Trade Minister Nalin Fernando to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment.

The verdict was delivered in connection with the Carrom Board corruption case, filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

What Was the Case About?

The case involved the alleged misuse of Rs. 53.1 million in public funds during the run-up to the 2015 Presidential Election.

The funds were used to import and distribute 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts boards to sports clubs across the country.

The purchases were made between September 1 and December 31, 2014, using Sathosa funds.

At the time, Aluthgamage served as Sports Minister, while Fernando was the Chairman of Sathosa.

The Trial and Verdict:

CIABOC filed the case under six charges, and a special three-judge bench comprising Justices Mahesh Weeraman, Pradeep Abeyratne, and Amali Ranaweera presided over the trial, which lasted six years and concluded on December 19.

What Did the Verdict Say?

The three-judge bench delivered an 84-page judgment, concluding that the charges brought against the accused had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Quote from the verdict: “The defense motion to acquit the accused under Section 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code, citing insufficient evidence, was rejected. Upon examination of the evidence, the court found that the charges against the accused were substantiated beyond reasonable doubt. Therefore, the accused are found guilty of the charges brought against them. If any submissions are to be made on behalf of the accused before sentencing, they may be presented.”

President’s Counsel Anil Silva, appearing for former Trade Minister and former Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando, argued that his client did not personally benefit from the transaction.

Quote: “My Lord, my client had no personal gain from this act. He merely followed instructions to import and distribute the goods. This case sends a message to public servants: following ministerial orders without question can lead to punishment. Even good intentions may not protect them. I respectfully request the court to consider a lenient sentence.”

President’s Counsel Shanaka Ranasinghe, representing Mahindananda Aluthgamage, requested a reduced sentence, citing his client’s clean record and withdrawal from politics.

Quote:

“My Lord, this case has dragged on for six years. My client has since stepped away from politics and has no intention of returning. He is now 61 years old and has no prior convictions. I kindly request a sentence that allows him to reintegrate into society.”

Assistant Director Anuththara Jayasinghe, representing the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), responded:

Quote:

“My Lord, these accused, as public officials, committed this offense against the people. They knowingly misused over Rs. 53 million in public funds allocated for the benefit of citizens. This is a significant loss to the state. Public officials and elected representatives are entrusted with the responsibility of national development. They must exercise their powers responsibly. Misusing state authority for personal or political motives has contributed to Sri Lanka’s economic collapse. Though regrettable, this must be acknowledged. A strong sentence is necessary to deter others and reinforce public trust in the rule of law.” Presiding Judge Mahesh Weeraman, delivering the unanimous decision of the bench, stated:

Quote:

“Sri Lanka’s economic downfall has been partly caused by the misconduct of senior public officials and elected representatives. Accordingly, the first accused is found guilty on four charges and sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment. The second accused is found guilty on two charges and sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. Additionally, the first accused is fined Rs. 400,000 and the second accused Rs. 200,000. The court also orders the collection of fingerprint records of both convicts.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Directors General Thushari Dayaratne and Anuththara Jayasinghe on behalf of CIABOC.