The Supreme Court today (11) concluded hearings on the appeals filed by former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Lanka Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando, who were sentenced to imprisonment over a corruption charge.

A five‑judge bench headed by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena heard the petitions, marking the third day of proceedings. 

During the session, submissions from both the appellants’ lawyers and the legal representatives of the Bribery Commission were completed.

Following the conclusion of arguments, the Supreme Court announced that the delivery of its judgment on the appeals has been postponed to a later date. (Newswire)

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Former minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Lanka Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando, who have been sentenced to imprisonment over corruption charges, have filed appeals against the sentences, which the Supreme Court today (20) fixed for hearing on March 9.

The appeal petitions were taken up before a bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Achala Wengappuli.

After considering the submissions presented, the bench ordered that the appeals be called for hearing on March 9.

The two former ministers were found guilty of causing a loss of over Rs. 50 million to the government during the 2015 presidential election period by importing 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts sets through Sathosa. 

Mahindananda Aluthgamage was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, while Nalin Fernando was sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment.

They have now filed these appeals against the imposed sentences. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Permanent Trial-at-Bar has rejected bail applications submitted by former minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Lanka Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando, who were sentenced to prison in connection with the Carrom Board case.

The bail requests were filed on the grounds that both individuals had appealed their convictions, but the court ruled that the reasons presented were not sufficiently exceptional to warrant release pending appeal.

The decision was delivered by a three-judge bench comprising Priyantha Liyanage, Viraj Weerasuriya, and P.M.T. Bandara yesterday (07).

In its ruling, the bench emphasized that when a convicted individual seeks bail during the appeal process, the court must be presented with compelling and exceptional circumstances. Since the applicants failed to meet this threshold, their bail requests were denied.

The case stems from allegations that, during the 2015 presidential election, 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts boards were imported through Lanka Sathosa and distributed to political offices of then-presidential candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa, causing an estimated loss of Rs. 53 million to the state.

Following a lengthy trial, the court found both individuals guilty. Mahindananda Aluthgamage was sentenced to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment, while Nalin Fernando received 25 years’ rigorous imprisonment.

Both parties have filed appeals with the Supreme Court and have requested bail pending a final decision, a request now formally denied. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has scheduled the appeals filed by former minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Lanka Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando, both convicted and sentenced in connection with a corruption case, to be taken up on January 20.

These appeals were called today (28) before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, presided over by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.

During the proceedings, the bench ordered that the appeals be listed for hearing on January 20.

At the time of the hearing, both former ministers, currently in remand custody after being sentenced by the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar, were produced before the court by prison officials.

In May this year, the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar sentenced Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years and Nalin Fernando to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment over the importation of sports equipment during the 2015 Presidential Election period. 

The case filed by the Bribery Commission accused the duo of having misappropriated Rs. 53.1 million between 01 September and 31 December 2014 during the importation of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts boards for distribution to sports clubs. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Permanent Trial-at-Bar today ordered that the petitions requesting bail for imprisoned former minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Lanka Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando be taken up for further clarification on September 23.

Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando, who are currently serving heavy prison sentences after being convicted in the Carrom Board case, have filed petitions requesting bail pending the outcome of their appeals. 

The bail applications were heard today before the three-member bench comprising Justices Mahesh Weeraman, Pradeep Abeyratne, and Amali Ranawera.

During the hearing, the legal representative of the Bribery Commission informed the court that they had not yet received the relevant documents about the petitions.

After reviewing the submissions, the bench instructed the Bribery Commission to issue the necessary documents and scheduled the petitions to be heard again on September 23.

The petitions were submitted by Aluthgamage and Fernando on the grounds that they have appealed their convictions to the Supreme Court, and are seeking release on bail until a final verdict is delivered.

In May this year, the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar sentenced Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years and Nalin Fernando to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment over the importation of sports equipment during the 2015 Presidential Election period. 

The case filed by the Bribery Commission accused the duo of having misappropriated Rs. 53.1 million between 01 September and 31 December 2014 during the importation of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts boards for distribution to sports clubs. (Newswire)

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Former minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, former Lanka Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando, and former Secretary to the Ministry of Sports, retired Major General Nanda Mallawarachchi, were served indictments before the Colombo High Court today (21) for allegedly committing an offence under the Public Property Act.

The charges relate to the importation and distribution of carrom boards and draughts boards through Lanka Sathosa during the 2015 presidential election period, allegedly for political gain by distributing them to sports clubs.

Following the indictment, High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne ordered that all three accused be released on bail.

However, since Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando are already serving prison sentences in other cases, the judge directed that they be presented to court on the next hearing date.

On 29 May, the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar sentenced Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years and Nalin Fernando to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment over the importation of sports equipment during the 2015 Presidential Election period. 

The case filed by the Bribery Commission accused the duo of having misappropriated Rs. 53.1 million between 01 September and 31 December 2014 during the importation of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts boards for distribution to sports clubs. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has filed an appeal before the Supreme Court against the sentence of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar.

The appeal was filed by Aluthgamage’s lawyers today over his sentencing over allegations of having caused a loss of Rs. 53 million to the State by importing carrom boards in 2014.

On 29 May, the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar sentenced former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years and former Lanka Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment. 

The duo were sentenced over a corruption case linked to the importation of sports equipment during the 2015 Presidential Election period. 

The case filed by the Bribery Commission accused the two former ministers of having misappropriated Rs. 53.1 million between 01 September and 31 December 2014 during the importation of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts boards for distribution to sports clubs. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s lawyers will file an appeal against his sentencing today, Pivituru Hela Urumaya’s (PHU) General Secretary Udaya Gammanpila said.

Addressing the media, Gammanpila said that during a conversation with the lawyers, they had said that they do not accept the court ruling.

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Former ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando have been sentenced to 20 years and 25 years of rigorous imprisonment, respectively, by the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar.

The duo have been sentenced over a corruption case linked to the importation of sports equipment during the 2015 Presidential Election period, during their tenures as the Ministers of Sports and Trade. 

The court ruled that the charges brought against the suspects have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The case filed by the Bribery Commission accused the two former ministers of having misappropriated Rs. 53.1 million between 01 September and 31 December 2014 during the importation of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts boards for distribution to sports clubs. (Newswire)

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Former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who was remanded over the importation of an allegedly substandard consignment of organic fertilizer from a Chinese company in 2021, has been granted bail. 

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court released Mahindananda Aluthgamage after he was produced in court by prison officials today. 

On 20 May, Mahindananda Aluthgamage surrendered to court after Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali had issued an arrest warrant against him on 16 May, based on a request made by the Bribery Commission.

The Bribery Commission alleged that the former minister was involved in facilitating the entry of a ship carrying substandard fertilizer in 2021, despite quality concerns. (Newswire)

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Former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has been remanded over the importation of an allegedly substandard consignment of organic fertilizer from a Chinese company in 2021.

Rejecting his anticipatory application, the  Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today remanded Aluthgamage until 26 May 2025. 

On 16 May, Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali issued an arrest warrant against Aluthgamage following a request made by the Bribery Commission.

The Commission alleged that the former minister was involved in facilitating the entry of a ship carrying substandard fertilizer in 2021, despite quality concerns.

At the time, in response, Aluthgamage had filed an anticipatory bail application, seeking to prevent his arrest by the Bribery Commission over the matter. (Newswire)

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Former Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage has filed an anticipatory bail application before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, seeking to prevent his arrest over a payment made in 2021 to a Chinese firm for a consignment of alleged substandard organic fertiliser.

Filing his anticipatory bail, the former minister informed the court that the Bribery Commission intends to arrest him in connection with allowing a ship carrying the alleged substandard organic fertiliser to enter the country during the government in power in 2021.

Taking into consideration the facts, Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali issued a notice to the Bribery Commission, asking it to present its case before the court on 19 May, regarding the former minister’s request. (Newswire)

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Recent decisions of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake soon after the Presidential Election are similar to those taken by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after his election, former Parliamentarian Mahindananda Aluthgamage said. 

“As soon as Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected President, he too distributed 993 vehicles belonging to the President’s Office to other departments. He also reduced the time allocated for lunch breaks, provided plain tea instead of milk tea, and resided in a small house instead of the President’s House,” the former MP pointed out.

Stating that even though a government is created based on the high expectations of the public, it is difficult to take forward such a government, Mahindananda Aluthgamage said this was exactly what happened to Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The former Parliamentarian also revealed that steps are underway to form a broad opposition by allying with all those who had pledged their support for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the Presidential Election.

He further said that the new alliance will be headed by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to face the upcoming General Election.

“Though Ranil Wickremesinghe will head the alliance, he will not contest the General Election and neither will he enter Parliament through the National List, he has already informed,” Mahindananda Aluthgamage added. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha has withdrawn the Police complaint filed against fellow party member MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage, accusing the latter of physical assault at the Presidential Secretariat. 

It is reported that MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha had withdrawn his Police complaint on Monday (July 01). 

The two SLPP members had reportedly clashed during the ruling party meeting on June 03, following which Gunathilaka Rajapaksha’s son had filed a complaint with the Colombo-Fort Police claiming that MP Aluthgamage had assaulted his father during the party meeting.

At the time, it was reported that MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha had sustained a serious injury to his leg and had to be subjected to surgery for over 4 hours.

The Police had also recorded statements from other SLPP MPs who had witnessed the incident, but they are reported to have said they had not witnessed such a scene. 

Meanwhile, commenting on the incident MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage had claimed that he had not assaulted MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha, but the latter had fallen down the stairs. 

MP Aluthgamage had also warned of initiating legal action against MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha for having made false allegations against him. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha has accused fellow party member MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage of physically assaulting him at the Presidential Secretariat, following which he had required surgery. 

Addressing the media, MP Rajapaksha refuted claims by MP Aluthgamage that the former had fallen down the stairs.

Stating that he was nowhere near the staircase at the time, MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha revealed that he had fallen after being continuously physically assaulted by MP Aluthgamage.

MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha further said that the Police are yet to take action in this regard, adding that MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage must be taken into custody and produced in courts.

“I have the Judicial Medical Officer’s report. I also received information from the Police that other MPs who had witnessed the incident had claimed that they had not witnessed the incident. The MPs who were there know what happened. There is CCTV footage which can prove my claims,” he said. 

MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha added that he intends to make a statement in Parliament soon on the incident. 

It was reported that MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha had sustained a serious injury to his leg and had to be subjected to surgery for over 4 hours after having been allegedly assaulted during a brawl with MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage last week. 

The two SLPP members had reportedly clashed during the ruling party meeting held on Monday (June 03), following which Gunathilaka Rajapaksha’s son had filed a complaint with the Colombo-Fort Police claiming that MP Aluthgamage had assaulted his father during the party meeting. (Newswire)

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The Colombo-Fort Police has informed the Parliament of Sri Lanka of the need to record statements from some Parliamentarians over the recent brawl between Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) members Gunathilaka Rajapaksha and Mahindananda Aluthgamage. 

According to Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa, the two SLPP members had clashed during the ruling party meeting held on Monday.

Gunathilaka Rajapaksha’s son is also reported to have filed a complaint with the Colombo-Fort Police claiming that Mahindananda Aluthgamage had assaulted his father during the party meeting.

Based on the complaint, the Police yesterday obtained a statement from Gunathilaka Rajapaksha who is undergoing treatment at the Army Hospital in Colombo. 

Following this, the Colombo-Fort Police decided that obtaining the statements of other Parliamentarians who had witnessed the brawl was necessary. 

Therefore, on Wednesday (June 05), the Colombo-Fort Police informed the Parliament in writing of the need to record statements from some MPs in this regard. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has been acquitted from the case filed against him over allegations of money laundering related to the purchase of a house in Colombo.

The Colombo High Court today acquitted the former minister from the case which was filed by the Attorney General under the Money Laundering Act.

Mahindananda Aluthgamage was charged with the failure to declare the source of funds used to purchase a luxury house worth Rs. 27.4 million at Kynsey Road in Borella during his tenure as a minister. (Newswire)

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Nearly 90,0000 companies in Sri Lanka do not pay taxes, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Planning revealed.

Chairman of the Committee MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage stated that from a total of 105,000 companies in Sri Lanka, only 15,000 fulfil their tax obligations.

Stating that there were 295,000 personal tax files in 2022, he stated that in 2023, this further decreased to 204,000 files. 

“Surprisingly, a mere 29,000 individuals among the populace contribute a solitary rupee to the nation’s tax resources through their personal files. On the corporate front, our country hosts 105,000 companies, but merely 15,000 of them fulfil their tax obligations,” he said. 

MP Aluthgamage further said that these concerning statistics reveal significant complications within the nation’s tax collection framework.

“In a bid to fortify Sri Lanka’s fiscal stability and streamline revenue collection by enhancing the state tax mechanism, necessary measures have been initiated to promptly amend the Inland Revenue Ordinance,” he added.

He made the remarks while addressing a media briefing held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (Aug.17). (Newswire) 

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Only 31,000 pay tax from a total of 500,000 personal income tax files in Sri Lanka, Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage stated. 

According to a statement from the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the MP pointed out that there are 105,000 registered limited companies in the country, but 82% of the tax revenue is received from only 382 companies.

MP Aluthgamage also emphasized that it is important to maintain the inflation, the reserves of the country and the government’s income in an optimal condition by December by the time of the second review of the International Monetary Fund, given that the said factors must be taken into account when granting loans. 

He further stated that therefore, his Committee will hold regular discussions with Sri Lanka Customs, Excise Department and Inland Revenue Department to provide necessary facilities to increase the state revenue.

MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage made the remarks when the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans met in Parliament recently (July 06).

During the meeting, the MP spoke at length about the failure of the Inland Revenue Department to collect the tax revenue and stated that the Committee is making positive improvements in this regard. There was also a discussion about the collection of 904 billion rupees in arrears which is due to the Inland Revenue Department. 

MP Aluthgamage also pointed out that discussions are being held with the Minister of Justice to amend the Inland Revenue Act. The MP has expressed his intention to provide his utmost assistance to fill the existing employee vacancies in the Inland Revenue Department.

The Inland Revenue Commissioner General who spoke on the occasion said that he appreciated the support received from the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans to make the work of his department efficient.

The Commissioner stated that the tax revenue target given by the government for the year 2023 of Rs 1.6 trillion was expected to be earned by 40% in the first 6 months and 60% in the remaining 6 months, and the target for the first 6 months has already been met. He further stated that work is being done to generate expected tax revenue in the remaining 6 months.

MP Aluthgamage emphasized the need to establish a systematic mechanism to regulate the collection of tax revenue. Members as well as officials pointed out that due to the fact that the data provided for the registration of companies in this country is not true, they have to face problems in tax collection.

The Committee also discussed at length the need to establish a digital data system linking the Sri Lanka Customs Department, the Excise Department and the Inland Revenue Department as soon as possible, as well as the need to re-register the private tax file in the country.

Members of the Committee MPs Wimalaweera Dissanayake, Eran Wickramaratne, Sudath Manjula, Gunathilaka Rajapaksha, Dhammika Perera, Udayana Kirindigoda, Karunadasa Kodithuwakku, Madhura Withanage, and Mohomad Muzammil were present at the Committee meeting.

A group of officials including the Inland Revenue Commissioner General was also present at the Committee meeting. (NewsWire)

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The Department of Immigration and Emigration has extended its apology to former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage over a mishap at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake. 

Issuing a statement, the Immigration and Emigration Department said MP Aluthgamage had been prevented by Immigration officials from travelling overseas on Friday night (10) citing a travel ban. 

The department stated that, however, the information included under the MP’s passport was that of another individual and that the MP had been wrongfully prevented from travelling overseas.

“Two officials of the Department of Immigration and Emigration have been suspended from service over the mishap, while investigations have been launched by the Criminal Investigations Department and Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT),” the department further said. 

The Immigration and Emigration Department also extended its apologies to former minister Mahindanda Aluthgamage for the inconvenience caused at the airport. (NewsWire) 

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