January 20, Colombo (LNW): Former cabinet minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and ex-Lanka Sathosa chairman Nalin Fernando have moved the Supreme Court challenging the prison sentences imposed on them in a high-profile corruption case. The apex court has scheduled the appeals for hearing on 9 March.
The matter came before a bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Achala Wengappuli earlier today (20), where preliminary submissions were considered. Following this, the judges directed that the appeals be taken up on the specified date.
Both men were convicted of causing a substantial financial loss to the state during the 2015 presidential election period. The case centred on the procurement of large quantities of carrom boards and draughts sets through Lanka Sathosa, a transaction found to have cost the government more than Rs. 50 million.
Aluthgamage was handed a sentence of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, while Fernando received a 25-year term. The appeals seek to overturn or reduce these sentences, and the forthcoming hearing is expected to draw significant public attention given the scale of the case and the senior positions once held by the appellants.
