Johnston Fernando Corruption Case Set for July 7 Hearing

COLOMBO (News 1st); A case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Minister Johnston Fernando and two others has been scheduled for further hearing on July 7th, 2025, by the Colombo High Court.

The charges stem from allegations that, during his tenure as Minister of Trade, Johnston Fernando misused public resources by assigning Sathosa employees to engage in political activities instead of their official duties—causing financial losses to the government.

The other two defendants in the case are: Eraj Fernando, former Chairman of Sathosa and Mohamed Zakir, former Coordinating Secretary to the Minister.

All three appeared in court during the hearing. During the session, Merinnage Costa, a payroll officer at Sathosa, was cross-examined by attorneys. The court then issued summons for witnesses to appear on the next hearing date.