Sri Lankan Politicians Currently in Prison
These are Sri Lankan politicians who have been convicted and are currently serving a prison sentence for that conviction. This is a stronger, more specific claim than being investigated, charged or even on trial - it means a court has already handed down a sentence, and the politician is currently in custody serving it. Nadu tracks the underlying conviction, the sentence, and the current custody status separately, so this list only includes people where all three are documented and verified. It updates as sentences are served, appealed, or as bail, pardons or releases change someone's custody status.
6 politicians tracked · last updated 30 September 2026
Mahindananda Aluthgamage
Offense under Section 70 of the Bribery Act - causing the government a loss of over Rs. 53 million via irregular importation/procurement of approx. 14,000 carrom boards and approx. 11,000-14,000 checkers ("daam") boards through state-owned Lanka Sathosa/CWE for distribution during the 2015 presidential election campaign
Nalin Fernando (Kachchakaduge Nalin Ruwanjeewa Fernando)
Six indictments under Section 70 of the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission Act, re: illegal procurement of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draught/checker boards via Lanka Sathosa during the 2015 presidential campaign and their distribution to sports clubs/political offices; government loss cited as Rs. 53 million (one source: Rs. 39 million at time of 2018 arrest)
Sarana Gunawardena
Corruption prosecutions arising from Development Lotteries Board vehicle-rental payments during 2006-2007. Validation research found 18 convictions across four corruption cases, rather than only four counts.
Piyankara Jayaratne
Corruption/abuse of ministerial office - pressuring a SriLankan Catering executive to release funds (reported as Rs. 320,000-330,000, figures vary by outlet) to a private caterer in Marawila for a May Day 2014 UPFA rally
S. M. Ranjith (Samarakoon Mudiyanselage Ranjith / "S. M. Ranjith Samarakoon")
A separate/fresh corruption prosecution reported in 2026 concerning fuel obtained while he was Chief Minister of the North Central Province, allegedly in addition to salary/fuel allowances, causing a loss to the State. Earlier reporting connected the prosecution to fuel expenditure of approximately Rs. 5.38 million.
Duminda Silva
Murder of MP/presidential advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra and three others, shot in Mulleriyawa on 8 Oct 2011 during local government election unrest