Police have informed that former Minister Johnston Fernando has been instructed to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today (5), warning that a warrant will be sought from court to arrest him if he fails to comply.

Investigations are under way in connection with allegations that losses were caused to the State through the misuse of a lorry belonging to Lanka Sathosa.

Meanwhile, former Lanka Sathosa Transport Manager Indika Ratnamalala, who was arrested by the FCID over the same incident, was remanded today until 9 January by the Wattala Magistrate.

Ratnamalala was arrested while hiding at a hotel in Galle in connection with the alleged misuse of a Sathosa-owned lorry by Johan Fernando, the son of Johnston Fernando.

Police said Ratnamalala served as Transport Manager of Lanka Sathosa from 2011 to 2021 and is accused of providing a Sathosa lorry to a private company in 2012. Investigations have revealed that the lorry was handed over while official records falsely indicated it was being used for ministerial duties, with government salaries reportedly paid to the employees involved.

Earlier, Johnston’s son Johann Fernando was arrested in connection with the case and remanded until 9 January.