Former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena, who was sentenced to three years this morning due to misappropriation of state funds, has been released on bail.

Gunawardena has been granted bail following an appeal to the High Court.

The former Deputy Minister was sentenced for 03 years of imprisonment and fined Rs. 300,000 over a case on misappropriation of state funds.

Gunawardena was a Parliamentarian of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and served as a Deputy Minister under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's government.

He has faced multiple investigations over bribery, corruption and abuse of power.

Gunawardena is now a supporter of the Sri Lanka Podujana Party.