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 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 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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The Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security has pledged a significant reduction of 75% in the cost of living burden on the people by the end of the first quarter of this year. 

Minister Nalin Fernando attributes this positive outlook to the initiation of 2024 with a positive economic growth rate.

He expressed his commitment to enhancing consumer rights by introducing a new program for the Consumer Authority, aiming to provide greater security for consumers.

The Minister made these remarks during a press conference at the Presidential Media Center on Wednesday (Jan 03).

He acknowledged the impact of India’s halt on big onion exports, which has reverberated in Sri Lanka. However, the minister assured that the situation will be sorted within the next two weeks when India relaxes its restrictions on onion exports.

“We embark on the year 2024 with a positive economic growth rate. Notably, by the end of the first quarter, the cost of living burden on the people is projected to decrease by 75%. The existing tax policy assures continued relief for citizens in the future.

“While some argue against levying taxes for government income, it must be emphasized that such statements are counterproductive to the country’s economic growth. Citizens bear the responsibility of supporting government investments in the country’s future using tax revenue. Critics often cite high taxes as a reason for leaving the country. However, taxation in our country stands at a modest 12%, significantly lower than the 38% to 43% in countries attracting emigrants. These nations have thrived due to their tax policies,” he said.

The minister further said the interruption in big onion exports from India has impacted Sri Lanka, but a resolution is expected within the next two weeks when India relaxes export restrictions.

He also noted that improper publicity surrounding tax amendments, including Value Added Tax (VAT), has led to unwarranted price hikes by intermediaries and some companies, placing pressure on the people.

“In the first quarter of 2024, Lanka Sathosa aims to open five new megastores and ten regular Lanka Sathosa stores. By year-end, the plan is to expand the Lanka Sathosa outlet network to 500 outlets. Expanding the network to 500 outlets serves the primary goal of enabling consumers to purchase goods at government-subsidized prices without shortages. In 2024, the goal is to increase the total income of Lanka Sathosa Company to nearly Rs. 70 billion, achieving an operating profit of nearly Rs. 1.5 billion. The company aims to secure a net profit of Rs. 500 million amidst the economic challenges,” he revealed.

Minister Nalin Fernando announced that a new program for the consumer authority is anticipated in 2024, aiming to enhance consumer rights. 

“The Department of Measurement Units, Standards and Services will be fully computerized to meet people’s needs in the first four months of the year,” he added. (NewsWire)

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Approval has been granted for the importation of chicken for food industrial purpose, Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security Nalin Fernando announced today.

Minister Nalin Fernando stated that approval had been granted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

He further stated that the decision to import chicken has been taken in order to control prices. 

The Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security made the remarks while addressing a media briefing in Colombo today. (NewsWire)

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The Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security has issued a new directive on the price of eggs imported from India. 

Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security Nalin Fernando stated that imported eggs from India will be distributed for Rs. 35 each.

The Minister further stated that boxes of imported eggs from India will be distributed for Rs. 40 per egg.

The imported eggs at the mentioned price will be distributed to Lanka Sathosa and other supermarkets from today (July 25), he added. (NewsWire)

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