Former ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando have been assigned to a common ward at the Welikada Prison after being sentenced to rigorous imprisonment over the misuse of state funds.
The Colombo High Court, on Wednesday, sentenced Aluthgamage and Fernando to rigorous imprisonment of 20 years and 25 years, respectively, for irregularities in the procurement of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 checkerboards for distribution among sports associations ahead of the 2015 presidential election. The procurement of those items, imported through state-run Lanka Sathosa, resulted in a loss of Rs 53.1 million to the state.
At the time, Fernando was the Chairman of Lanka Sathosa and Aluthgamage served as the Sports Minister.
A three-judge bench of the High Court also imposed fines amounting to Rs. 400,000 and Rs. 200,000 on Fernando and Aluthgamage, respectively.
Prison officers said both politicians had been given prison uniforms and mats and pillows like other inmates. They underwent medical examinations.
Prison Spokesperson Gamini B. Dissanayake said the former ministers were expected to begin prison work on Thursday and they were likely to be assigned to the prison printing division.
By Chaminda Silva and Norman Palihawadane 