November 05, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Johnston Fernando has formally withdrawn a writ petition filed with the Court of Appeal, which had sought to prevent his arrest in connection with an investigation into an unregistered BMW found on a luxury hotel property in Colombo.
The vehicle, allegedly linked to Fernando, became the subject of legal scrutiny following its discovery.
The appeal, initially submitted to the Court of Appeal, was heard by Judges Mohammad Lafar Thahir and P. Kumaran Ratnam.
During this session, Fernando’s legal representatives informed the bench that their client had already secured bail through the Magistrate’s Court, rendering further pursuit of the writ unnecessary.
Consequently, they requested permission to withdraw the petition.
The Court of Appeal granted the request, officially allowing the withdrawal and subsequently dismissing the petition.
This decision effectively concludes Fernando’s bid to prevent his arrest in the matter.