Former Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando, who were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo High Court on Wednesday (29), have been placed in a common ward at Welikada Prison, alongside other general inmates.
Prison authorities confirmed that both individuals were provided with standard-issue prison uniforms, along with a mat and pillow, in accordance with prison regulations. They were brought to Welikada Prison on Wednesday afternoon following their sentencing and underwent medical examinations before being assigned to their respective ward.
The verdict, delivered by a permanent trial-at-bar of the Colombo High Court, found the two former ministers guilty of misusing state resources during the 2015 presidential election campaign. The court determined that 14,000 Carrom boards and 11,000 Checkers boards—imported through Lanka Sathosa—had been distributed to various sports associations, causing a financial loss of Rs. 53.1 million to the state.
At the time of the offense, Nalin Fernando was serving as Chairman of Lanka Sathosa, while Mahindananda Aluthgamage held the portfolio of Minister of Sports.
Fernando was sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs. 400,000. Aluthgamage received a 20-year sentence and was fined Rs. 200,000.
According to Prison Media Spokesperson Gamini B. Dissanayake, both former ministers are expected to begin prison work starting today. Preliminary reports indicate they are likely to be assigned to duties in the prison’s printing department.
