Eight months into governance by the National People’s Power (NPP) which swept into power in September last year with the election of Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the post of Executive President, the slow-moving wheels of justice in Sri Lanka have delivered a ruling which has plucked two low-hanging fruits in relation to corruption. 

Yesterday, in a landmark ruling, the Colombo High Court (HC) has sentenced former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years, and former Sathosa Chairperson Nalin Fernando to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI), after they were found guilty of causing millions of losses to the Government by importing carrom boards and checkerboards for distribution to sports clubs during the 2015 Presidential Election.

Presenting facts before the Court before the verdict was delivered, the prosecuting lawyer representing the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) stated that the defendants had knowingly abused their official powers by authorising the purchase of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 checkerboards through the State-owned enterprise, the Sathosa, leading to significant financial damage to public funds. The prosecution highlighted the deliberate nature of the offences, emphasising that the misuse of official authority resulted in a loss exceeding Rs. 53 million, which was collected from taxpayers. She urged the Court to issue a firm judgment to serve as a deterrent against future corruption and to encourage those committed to combating such offences. The watchdog CIABOC had filed charges in the Permanent HC Trial-at-Bar in 2019 against Aluthgamage and Fernando for causing losses amounting to Rs. 53 million to the Government by the accused actions during the 2015 Presidential Election. It is refreshing to see a corruption watchdog follow through with action and gain a successful prosecution.

To a foreign observer, the ruling may seem like a normal, holding to account affair. However, to many Sri Lankans who have been waiting for some form of accountability through state institutions, the court ruling is one which is much welcomed.

While there has been much criticism of the NPP Government, and their many amateurish follies as they settle into the role of governance, the movement must be credited for being steadfast in trying to root out corruption. Sri Lankans have seen ministers and political heavy weights being arrested, paraded and remanded, and at times, getting off on light sentences. However, the 20-year RI and 25-year RI sentences issued by the Court are emblematic of the kind of pursuit of justice the public have been seeking for decades. Of course, the convicted former lawmakers may well appeal the decision, and try their defence at the Court of Appeal, and then even to the Supreme Court. And they may try to get the sentence reduced or overturned. And that is their right to do so.  However, with yesterday's decision, the public, especially those vulnerable segments which were forced to endure much hardship under multiple governments (some which included the JVP as partners) would have felt some satisfaction that at least one or two of polity who reigned like kings – untouchable – have finally been brought to books for their crimes.

The NPP Government has made it their priority to address corruption and to bring to book many former lawmakers and state officials, who are responsible for serious corruption and malpractice. This fact is one reason that those who voted for the NPP wave from around 2020 remain hopeful that their continued support will see this Government, which they have given an unprecedented mandate to, will deliver on its key promise. The Government may lose support for its slow progress on other segments of governance, and they may well scuttle their own future due to – ‘backseat driving’ from ‘Pelawatta’. But their supporters and the public will thank them for their anti-corruption campaign. 

However, the Government should not be in a hurry to take a victory lap, as there is much more to do, and an economic situation to prevent it from deteriorating. The public will clap when justice is delivered, but few will hold ranks nor cheer if the Government mismanages the economic recovery.