24 July, 2007 - Published 14:48 GMT

Minister fined for 'cheating'

Sri Lanka's judiciary on Tuesday imposed a fine on a minister who was convicted of financial mismanagement.

Labour Minister Dr. Mervyn Silva has accepted his cheque paid in 1994 to Mohamed Nasim for Rs. 70,000 later bounced.

Dr. Silva has paid the money as deposit for a house rented in Park Road, Colombo.

Allowing the plea by the minister, the Colombo High Court imposed a Rs. 2500 fine as government charges.

The police were ordered to record fingerprints of the convicted minister.

Sri Lanka's politicians are constantly accused of financial mismanagment by both sides but it is rare for them to be convicted of any wrongdoing.