Former Minister Johnston Fernando has denied media reports suggesting that he pleaded guilty to vehicle import tax fraud, clarifying that the charges against him relate only to offences under the Motor Traffic Act.
In a statement issued on Wednesday (28), Fernando said certain media outlets had misrepresented the nature of the case heard before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.
He said only three charges had been filed against him under the Motor Traffic Act and that he had not been charged with importing the vehicle, owning it or failing to pay import duties.
Fernando also maintained that he was not the owner of the vehicle in question.
“Pleading guilty to a legal charge relating to the possession of a motor vehicle and pleading guilty to vehicle import tax fraud are two entirely different matters,” he said.
The former minister further stated that a separate case had been filed before the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court against the individual who had possession of the vehicle.
Fernando described reports claiming that he had admitted to vehicle import tax fraud as false and misleading.
He urged media organisations to correct their reports and accurately explain the legal nature of the charges to which he had pleaded guilty. (Newswire)