Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who was recently convicted and sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for causing a financial loss of over Rs. 53 million to the government, has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against the verdict.
The charges were filed by the Bribery Commission, accusing Aluthgamage of illegally purchasing and distributing carrom boards among various sports associations during his tenure, resulting in a significant financial loss to the state.
The appeal was filed through Attorney-at-Law Sanath Wijewardene and has been submitted to the Colombo High Court for onward transmission to the Supreme Court.
In his appeal, Aluthgamage states that the three-judge bench of the Colombo High Court misinterpreted key facts of the case and failed to consider certain critical evidence presented in his defense. He maintains that the verdict and sentencing were contrary to the law and based on an incomplete evaluation of the evidence.
The petitioner argues that the decision was flawed and unjust, requesting the Supreme Court to nullify the conviction and acquit him of all charges.
The Supreme Court is expected to review the appeal in the coming weeks.
The Carrom Board Scandal and “Shark Ward Life” of Mahindananda & Nalin
