(Lanka-e-News -23.Oct.2024, 11.00 pm) Former Minister Johnston Fernando, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was presented before the Fort Magistrate’s Court today (23) and was remanded until October 30.
He was arrested this morning (23) after appearing before the CID to provide a statement regarding a suspiciously parked BMW at the Hilton Hotel in Colombo. The car, which Fernando had been using, was assembled illegally in the country using stolen parts that had been smuggled in separately. It was not legally imported or registered with the Department of Motor Traffic. It was being driven under a stolen garage number plate. Based on the chassis and engine numbers, the car had originally been exported from Germany to England, where it was stolen.
Johnston Fernando had informed the Appeals Court through his lawyer yesterday (22) that he was ready to provide a statement to the CID in relation to the case. This occurred during a hearing where Fernando had sought anticipatory bail, which the court rejected.
Meanwhile, the Colombo High Court issued a warrant for his arrest today for failing to appear in another case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission. That case was called before High Court Judge Manjula Thilakarathna, but Fernando was absent, leading to the issuance of the warrant.
Fernando had been in hiding since the revelation of the BMW incident, and he is the first former minister to be remanded following the establishment of the new government.
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by (2024-10-23 17:35:14)
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