Johnston Questioned Over Providing Car to Manamperi

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Minister Johnston Fernando appeared before the Illegal Assets Investigation Division today and subsequently left the premises at around 12:30 p.m. after providing a statement to investigators.

Fernando had been summoned in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged provision of a vehicle on a rental basis to an individual identified as Sampath Manamperi.

Authorities are probing the transaction as part of a broader inquiry into possible irregularities involving assets and financial dealings.

He had initially been called to appear before the division on the 26th of last month but had requested a different date at the time. Police confirmed that the former minister complied with the rescheduled summons and presented himself for questioning today.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Chanuka Ratwatte failed to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), despite being summoned today.

He had been called to provide a statement in relation to an investigation involving the alleged operation of a financial company without obtaining approval from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and for reportedly accepting deposits from customers without proper authorization.