Five suspects, including former Minister Johnston Fernando and his two sons, who were arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), have been further remanded until 20 February by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court.
The group was arrested by the FCID over allegations of misusing a Sathosa lorry during Fernando’s tenure as Minister of Cooperative and Internal Trade.
It is alleged that the vehicle was used for operations linked to an ethanol company reportedly owned by Fernando, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs. 2.5 million to the state.
Fernando was arrested in January, and a bail request was denied, with the suspects ordered to remain in remand custody.
The investigation also led to the December 30 arrest of Fernando’s son, Johan Fernando, in Kurunegala. Former Sathosa Transport Manager Indika Ratnamalala was also taken into custody, accused of preparing forged documents related to the case. (Newswire)