Former Minister Johnston Fernando appeared before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today (January 5) as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged improper use of a vehicle owned by Lanka Sathosa.
Police had earlier cautioned that legal action, including obtaining an arrest warrant, would be pursued if the former minister failed to present himself to investigators as directed. The inquiry focuses on claims that a Sathosa-owned lorry was misused, resulting in a substantial financial loss to the state.In a related development, Indika Ratnamalala, who served as the Transport Manager of Lanka Sathosa during Fernando’s tenure as Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade, was arrested yesterday (January 4). He was later produced before the Wattala Magistrate’s Court and ordered to be remanded until January 9.
According to investigators, Ratnamalala is accused of falsifying official documents at the request of the minister’s son, Johan Fernando. The alleged alterations were reportedly made to enable a Sathosa lorry to be used for operations at an ethanol company said to be linked to the former minister.
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