Business

The Colombo High Court has decided to delay the hearing of the case against former Minister Johnston Fernando and two others until March 11, 2026. This decision was made during a court session held today (20) with Judge Mohamed Mihal presiding, according to a report from Ada Derana. Johnston Fernando and Mohamed Shakir, the former Operational Director of Sathosa, are currently in remand custody related to another case and were brought to court by prison officials. During the hearing, some initial witness testimonies were taken, and the accused were cross-examined with the guidance of their lawyer, Chaminda Atukorala. Following this, the judge ruled that further evidence examination would take place on March 11, 2026. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has brought this case against Johnston Fernando, former Sathosa Chairman Eraj Fernando, and Mohamed Shakir. They are accused of causing a loss to the government by misusing Sathosa employees for political purposes from 2010 to 2014 while Johnston Fernando was the Trade Minister.