Archive · 9 Jun 2025
Sri Lanka Ex-Minister Gets Prison Time in Carrom Board Case
Former Sri Lankan Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage was sentenced to 20 years in prison for misusing state funds.
He and former Trade Minister Anil Fernando spent Rs.
53 million to import carrom and draughts boards, which were given to sports clubs.
Prosecutors argued this was done to boost the re-election bid of then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The Bribery Commission filed six counts, as procurement standards were violated.
Aluthgamage has appealed the verdict.
This is the first major conviction from the Rajapaksa-era cabinet.
Former Sports Minister Aluthgamage sentenced to 20 years.
Case involves misuse of Rs. 53 million in state funds.
Carrom and draught boards were used for political campaigning.
Procurement procedures were violated in the case.
Aluthgamage is the first from Rajapaksa-era cabinet to be convicted.
- Who
- Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Anil Fernando were convicted.
- What
- Former Sports Minister Aluthgamage was sentenced to 20 years for misusing state funds.
- When
- The sentencing occurred on May 29, 2025.
- Where
- Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Why
- The funds were used to import carrom and draughts boards for political gain.
- Aluthgamage's Sentence
- 20 years
- Co-Defendant
- Anil Fernando
- Misappropriated Funds
- Rs. 53.1 million
- Items Purchased
- Carrom and Draughts Boards
- Purpose of Purchase
- Political Campaigning
- Current Appeal Court
- Supreme Court