January 05, Colombo (LNW): Former cabinet minister Johnston Fernando presented himself before the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today (05) as part of an ongoing inquiry into the alleged improper use of a state-owned Lanka Sathosa vehicle.
Fernando had been instructed to appear before investigators after preliminary steps were taken to secure his arrest in relation to claims that a Sathosa lorry was deployed for unauthorised purposes, resulting in a financial loss to the government. The inquiry centres on the period during which he held the portfolio of Cooperative and Internal Trade.
The investigation gathered momentum a day earlier with the arrest of Indika Ratnamalala, who served as Transport Manager at Lanka Sathosa during Mr Fernando’s tenure. After being produced before the Wattala Magistrate’s Court, Ratnamalala was remanded until January 09.
Authorities allege that forged documentation had been prepared to facilitate the use of the Sathosa lorry by a private ethanol company linked to the former minister, reportedly for the benefit of his son, Johan Fernando. Police say further statements and evidence are expected to be recorded as the investigation continues.
