UPDATE: The Colombo High Court has sentenced former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena to four years of rigorous imprisonment for each of the four counts on which he was found guilty in a corruption case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), according to Ada Derana reporter.

In addition to the prison term, the Colombo High Court imposed a total fine of Rs. 1.8 million across the cases.

Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail delivered the verdict following the conclusion of the trial.

Delivering the verdict, the Colombo High Court Judge stated that the corruption charges filed by the Bribery Commission against the accused had been proven beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution.

The judge further observed in his ruling that corruption in state institutions negatively impacts the country’s economy and contributes to economic instability. He noted that such acts also undermine public confidence in government institutions.

During sentencing, the defence counsel had requested the court to act leniently under Section 303 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

However, the judge stated that given the nature of the offences, the court was compelled to impose a sentence that would serve to discourage corruption within public institutions.

CIABOC had filed four cases against Sarana Gunawardena, alleging that during his tenure as the Chairman of the Development Lotteries Board in 2006, he caused financial loss to the State by procuring three vehicles on a rental basis in a manner that allegedly provided undue benefits to the respective owners.

The Colombo High Court has convicted former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena on corruption charges.

Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail delivered the verdict in the cases filed against Sarana Gunawardena by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Accordingly, the defendant is scheduled to be sentenced, while attorneys are currently making submissions before the court regarding the sentencing, said Ada Derana reporter.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption had filed the case against Sarana Gunawardena, alleging that he committed the offense of corruption by causing a financial loss to the State during the procurement of vehicles on a rental basis while serving as Chairman of the Development Lotteries Board in 2006.