Business

Former Minister Johnston Fernando and his youngest son, Gerome Kenneth Fernando, were taken into custody by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) after they appeared before the division this morning (05). According to police, their arrest relates to the suspected misuse of a Sathosa vehicle during Fernando's time as Minister. The police had previously warned that they would seek an arrest warrant from the court if the former minister did not show up at the FCID as planned. Investigations are ongoing regarding the alleged misuse of state assets, including a lorry owned by Lanka Sathosa, which is believed to have led to a significant financial loss for the state. In relation to this case, Indika Ratnamalala, who was the Transport Manager of Sathosa while Fernando served as Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade, was arrested yesterday (04). He was presented in front of the Wattala Magistrate’s Court and has been remanded in custody until January 9. The former Transport Manager faces charges of document forgery at the request of the Minister’s son, Johan Fernando, to allow the use of a Sathosa-owned lorry for work at a company reportedly owned by the former Minister.