Police have launched investigations to arrest former Minister Johnston Fernando in connection with an alleged incident involving the misuse of a Sathosa-owned lorry that is said to have caused a financial loss to the Government.

However, despite ongoing efforts to arrest him, police have so far been unable to ascertain Fernando’s whereabouts, according to reports. Five police teams have been deployed to trace and arrest him, media reported referring to a senior police sources said.

Meanwhile, Johann Fernando, the son of Johnston Fernando, was arrested yesterday (30 December) by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).

Police investigations were initiated following a complaint that a lorry belonging to Sathosa was used for the operations of an ethanol company allegedly owned by Johnston Fernando during his tenure as Minister of Cooperatives and Internal Trade. The alleged misuse is said to have resulted in a loss of approximately Rs. 250,000 to the State.

Based on the investigations, the Attorney General has instructed that Johnston Fernando and his son Johann Fernando be arrested in connection with the incident.

Accordingly, Johann Fernando was arrested in Kurunegala by FCID officers under charges including money laundering, misuse of public property, offences under the Public Property Act, and criminal breach of trust.

Police said investigations are continuing to arrest Johnston Fernando on the same charges, noting that his current location remains unknown.

The suspect who was arrested is due to be produced before court today (31 December).