Sri Lanka’s “Carrom Board Case”: Top Ministers Jailed for Corruption
In a landmark judgment on 29 May 2025, a Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar in Colombo convicted two senior politicians in a corruption scandal widely known as the “Carrom Board Case”. Prosecuted by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the case involved the procurement and distribution of sports equipment – 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draught boards – during the 2015 Presidential Election campaign, resulting in a loss of over LKR 53 million to the public treasury
Convictions and Sentences
- Mahindananda Aluthgamage (former Sports Minister): sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment
- Nalin Fernando (former Trade Minister and Sathosa Chairman): sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment
Both received fines in addition to their prison terms.
The HC found that the purchases were politically motivated, violating standard procurement procedures, and misusing state funds to benefit a specific election campaign.
Significance of the Verdict
- Deterrent Effect: The heavy sentences underscore Sri Lanka’s increasing intolerance toward the misuse of public resources.
- CIABOC’s Enforcement Role: Prosecutors underlined that political office does not exempt individuals from corruption charges.
- Legal Precedent: This is one of the most significant convictions of Sri Lankan politician, reinforcing judicial independence and accountability of public funds.
Summary of the Carrom Board Case
The Carrom Board Case marks a critical milestone in Sri Lanka’s legal and political landscape. With stringent sentences delivered for high-profile corruption, the case sends a powerful message: public office must not be abused for political gain. However, with Aluthgamage’s appeal pending, the final outcome now rests with the Supreme Court. Until then, this case remains a significant step forward in Sri Lanka’s fight against corruption.