Produce Johnston At Next Hearing if Still in Remand - Court

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo High Court today ordered that the case against former Minister Johnston Fernando and two other accused be recalled on March 4.

The indictment alleges that while serving as Minister of Trade, Johnston Fernando misused his position by deploying employees of the Sathosa state-owned enterprise for political activities, removing them from their official duties and thereby causing financial loss to the government.

The case was taken up before High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail.

Johnston Fernando and co-accused Mohamed Shakir were absent in court today. Their legal representatives informed the court that both individuals are currently remanded in connection with a separate case before the Wattala Magistrate’s Court.

After considering submissions, the judge scheduled hearings for March 4 and March 18, and directed that if the two accused remain in remand custody on those dates, arrangements must be made to produce them before the High Court.