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Corrupt politician, official dragged Sri Lanka into bankruptcy, court says
View(s):By Manopriya Gunasekara
Actions of certain public representatives who claim to be working for the development of the nation and senior government officials are responsible for the bankruptcy of the country, a three-judge bench observed as they passed judgment on former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Sathosa chairman Nalin Fernando, who later became trade minister.
Mr Aluthgamage was handed a 20-year term of rigorous imprisonment, while Mr Fernando was given a 25-year term of rigorous imprisonment after being found guilty of causing a Rs 53 million loss to the state.
They were accused of importing carrom boards and checkers boards through Sathosa during the 2015 presidential election, and distributing them to sports clubs.
Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando after the verdict Pic by Priyanka Samaraweera
They were tried before a High Court trial-at-bar consisting of High Court judges Pradeep Hettiaarachchi (President), Pradeep Abeyratne and Mahesh Weeraman in a trial that had lasted for six years.
The accused were charged with six counts in the case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
The bench held that the allegations have been proved by the prosecution beyond doubt and noted that the defence had wanted the two suspects acquitted on the grounds that the prosecution had not proved the allegations.
Anil de Silva, PC, appearing for Mr Fernando told court that his client had not gained any benefit from the transaction and he was acting to import the items on orders received from above and therefore had no role in committing the offences. He pleaded for a lenient sentence.
He was told that officials do not get any relief when they get into trouble after acting on directions from ministers and this serves as a lesson to public sector employees.
Shanka Ranasinghe, PC, appearing for Mr Aluthgamage pleaded for a lenient sentence considering his service to the country and the fact that he had no previous offences.
He said that Mr Aluthgamage had no intention of returning to politics and asked for a lesser sentence so that he could return to society.
For the prosecution, CIABOC Assistant Director Anuthara Jayasinghe said they had misused their powers to carry out illegal activities and the offence had been committed by a public representative elected by the people and a public official, and the funds allocated by the budget had been misused.
She said their actions had contributed to the bankruptcy of the country.
Ms Jayasinghe pleaded for a sentence that serves as a deterrent to other politicians and public officials.
In addition to the prison term, Mr Aluthgamage was fined Rs 200,000 and Mr Fernando was ordered to pay a fine of Rs 400,000.
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