The landmark verdict was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail, who officially declared the former Deputy Minister guilty of the corruption charges. Following the conviction, defense and prosecution attorneys made their respective submissions regarding the sentencing before the court finalized the punishments.
The case stems from allegations brought forward by the Bribery Commission regarding Gunawardena's tenure as the Chairman of the Development Lotteries Board in 2006. The prosecution successfully argued that the accused had committed the offense of "corruption" by causing a massive financial loss to the state through the unlawful procurement of vehicles on a rental basis for the institution.
