Mahindananda and Nalin Fernando Seek Bail

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar has scheduled a bail hearing for September 23 for former ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando, who are currently serving 25-year and 20-year prison sentences, respectively, following their conviction in a high-profile corruption case.

The two were found guilty of offenses related to a Carrom Board procurement deal, and sentenced after a lengthy trial concluded that the charges had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

The bail application was submitted in connection with an appeal filed before the Supreme Court, challenging both the conviction and the severity of the sentence. 

The defense, led by President’s Counsels Kalinga Indatissa and Nalin Ladduwahetty, argued that their clients should be released on bail pending the outcome of the appeal.

During Monday’s (25) hearing, the Bribery Commission informed the court that it had not yet received formal notice regarding the petition filed by Aluthgamage. In response, the defense requested the court to issue the necessary notice.

After reviewing the submissions, the bench—comprising Judges Mahen Weeraman, Pradeep Abeyratne, and Amali Ranawera—ordered the Bribery Commission to respond and scheduled the next hearing for September 23.