Ex-Minister Johnston Fernando Arrested by Bribery Commission

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Minister Johnston Fernando was arrested Friday (4) morning by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) when he arrived to provide a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation.

The investigation relates to the procurement of chairs for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Auditorium in Polgolla, where authorities allege that the prescribed procurement process was not followed, resulting in a financial loss of Rs. 7,973,114 to the Government.

According to the Bribery Commission, the inquiry is focused on the alleged irregularities surrounding the purchase and the resulting loss incurred by the State.

CIABOC stated that Johnston Fernando was arrested on allegations of committing the offence of corruption in connection with the case.