Sarana Gunawardena jailed for 16 years in corruption cases

Former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena has been sentenced to a total of 16 years of rigorous imprisonment after being found guilty in four corruption cases filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The sentence was delivered today (June 9), by Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail. The cases were filed over losses caused to the government through the leasing of vehicles to the Development Lotteries Board while Gunawardena was serving as its Chairman in 2006.

In Case No. HCB 202/2022, Gunawardena was found guilty on all six charges and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on each charge, with the sentences to run concurrently.

In Case No. HCB 203/2022, he was found guilty on four of the six charges and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on each guilty charge, to run concurrently.

In Case No. HCB 205/2022, he was found guilty on all six charges and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on each charge, with the sentences running concurrently.

In Case No. HCB 206/2022, he was found guilty on both charges and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on each charge, to run concurrently.

Accordingly, the court imposed four years’ imprisonment in each of the four cases, resulting in a total sentence of 16 years of rigorous imprisonment.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 100,000 for each guilty charge. Since Gunawardena was convicted on 18 charges in total, he was ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 1.8 million. In default of payment, he will have to serve an additional six months’ imprisonment for each charge.

According to the prosecution, Gunawardena caused losses to the State by acting in a manner that benefited the owners of three vehicles hired on a rental basis for the Development Lotteries Board.

Delivering the judgment, Judge Mohamed Mihail stated that the prosecution had proven the corruption charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge further observed that corruption within State institutions damages the country’s economy and has contributed to economic decline and bankruptcy. The court also noted that corrupt practices in public institutions weaken public trust and confidence in those institutions.

During the sentencing hearing, defence counsel requested the court to exercise leniency under Section 303 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. However, the judge stated that, considering the nature of the offences, the court was obliged to impose a punishment that would serve as a deterrent against corruption in State institutions.

The sentencing had originally been scheduled for May 26, 2026, but was postponed after the court stated that the judgment had not been fully prepared.

The prosecution on behalf of CIABOC was conducted by Deputy Director General Asitha Anthony.

— Last Updated: June 10, 2026, at 09:50 AM —