The Colombo High Court has sentenced Sri Lanka’s former Sports Minister, Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years and former Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment in a high-profile corruption case. The two were found guilty of misusing public funds by irregularly importing thousands of Carrom and checkers boards ahead of the 2015 Presidential Election.

The court heard that the pair authorized the purchase of 14,000 Carrom boards and 11,000 checkers boards through the state-run Sathosa retail chain, causing a loss of over Rs. 53 million (approximately USD 175,000) to the government. Prosecutors, representing the Bribery Commission, argued the move was a calculated abuse of power to gain political advantage.

The Bribery Commission filed the case in 2019. In its ruling, the court stressed the importance of deterring corruption, especially during elections, and upholding accountability in public office.