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7 things about Sri Lanka's carrom board case for which ex-minister faces jail
On May 29, 2025, the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar sentenced Aluthgamage and former Trade Minister Anil (Nalin) Fernando to 20 and 25 years in prison, respectively, for the misappropriation of state funds read more
Sri Lanka's former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage (C) and former trade minister Anil Fernando (center R) are escorted by police outside a court in Colombo. AFP
In a major anti-corruption ruling, former Sri Lankan Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment over his involvement in the 'carrom board case' on 29 May, 2025.
He has since filed an appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the conviction.
Here are the key facts surrounding the case:
1. Landmark conviction in a high-profile corruption case
On May 29, 2025, the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar sentenced Aluthgamage and former Trade Minister Anil (Nalin) Fernando to 20 and 25 years in prison, respectively, for the misappropriation of state funds.
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2. Misuse of Rs. 53 million in state funds
The case, brought by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), included a fraudulent procurement agreement involving boards imported between September 1 and December 31, 2014. The entire financial damage to the state is estimated at Rs. 53.1 million.
3. Carrom and draught boards used for political campaigning
The funds were spent on importing 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts sets, which were distributed to sports clubs. Prosecutors argued this was done to boost the 2015 re-election bid of then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa — a clear case of public resources being used for political gain.
4. Violation of procurement procedures
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), which oversaw the case, said that the purchases were politically motivated and carried out in blatant violation of procurement standards.
5. Charges under the Bribery Act
The Bribery Commission filed six counts against the duo under Section 70 of the Bribery Act, which deals with the misappropriation of public assets for unofficial purposes.
6. Appeal filed in Supreme Court
Aluthgamage's legal team filed an appeal with the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, challenging the 20-year sentence handed down by the High Court.
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7. First major conviction from the Rajapaksa-era cabinet
Aluthgamage is the most senior member of a Rajapaksa-led cabinet to be successfully prosecuted for corruption. The case, originally filed six years ago, had made slow progress until a new government accelerated proceedings last year.
This case represents a significant milestone in Sri Lanka's anti-corruption efforts. With Aluthgamage appealing the verdict, the final outcome now rests with the country's highest court.
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