Former Minister Johnston Fernando, his two sons have been further remanded until February 13 by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court.
Two other suspects were also ordered to be further remanded.
The group was arrested by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (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 on January 5. Earlier, on January 9, a bail request was denied, and the suspects were 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)