Former Trade Minister and ex-Chairman of Lanka Sathosa, Nalin Fernando, has formally lodged an appeal with the Supreme Court challenging his conviction and 25-year prison sentence handed down by the Colombo High Court in late May over a high-profile corruption case linked to the misuse of state funds during the 2015 presidential election period.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, centers on the illegal procurement and distribution of sports equipment allegedly intended to boost political support. According to court documents and official statements, Fernando and former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage were found guilty of misappropriating over Rs. 53 million in public funds. The funds were used to purchase 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draught boards, ostensibly for distribution to sports clubs, but prosecutors argued that the equipment was instead distributed to party offices to curry favor ahead of the 2015 presidential election.
The Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar, comprising a three-judge bench, delivered its verdict on May 29, 2025. Aluthgamage was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, while Fernando received a 25-year sentence, along with fines imposed for each count of the charges. The prosecution, led by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), maintained that the purchases were carried out in blatant violation of established procurement procedures and were politically motivated.
Fernando’s legal team filed the appeal with the Colombo High Court, which is now set to be forwarded to the Supreme Court for further review. The petition argues that the High Court failed to properly evaluate defense evidence and overlooked key legal arguments, leading to what his lawyers describe as a miscarriage of justice. Fernando’s appeal requests that the Supreme Court overturn the judgment, acquit him of all charges, and order his immediate release.
Both Fernando and Aluthgamage have consistently maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings. Their appeals mark a significant development in what is considered one of the most prominent corruption cases in Sri Lanka in recent years, highlighting ongoing efforts to hold public officials accountable for misuse of state resources. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s review will be closely watched, as it could set an important precedent for future anti-corruption cases in the country.
By FCCT Editorial Team freeslots dinogame telegram营销
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