The Colombo High Court convicted former Sri Lankan Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena on corruption charges linked to the procurement of vehicles on a rental basis while he served as Chairman of the Development Lotteries Board in 2006.

 

The verdict was delivered by High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail in a case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). Prosecutors alleged that the transactions caused a financial loss to the State. The court is expected to announce the sentence after hearing submissions from lawyers.

 

The conviction comes amid the Sri Lankan government’s intensified anti-corruption drive, with authorities pledging stronger enforcement and accountability measures as part of broader governance and economic reform efforts.