Former ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando, who are currently serving lengthy prison sentences at the Welikada Prison, have reportedly appealed to visiting Members of Parliament to help secure their release.
According to a recent news report, the appeal was made during a visit by a group of MPs, including Attorney-at-Law and former State Minister of Prisons, Anuradha Jayaratne, who had arrived at the prison to check on the well-being of the incarcerated politicians.
One MP present during the visit stated that both Aluthgamage and Fernando were clad in standard prison attire and appeared visibly distressed and appeared to be suffering mentally under the strain of imprisonment.
Despite the emotional plea, the MP emphasised that any form of relief or reconsideration of the verdict could only be granted through the judiciary.
The two former ministers were found guilty of misusing public funds during the run-up to the 2015 presidential election.
The case centered on the procurement of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 checkers boards through Lanka Sathosa, which were then distributed to sports associations across the country.
On 29 May, a three-judge bench of the Colombo High Court delivered the verdict, finding both individuals guilty of causing financial losses exceeding Rs. 50 million to the state.
Former Trade Minister Nalin Fernando was handed a 25-year sentence of rigorous imprisonment, while former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage received a 20-year sentence.
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