19 May, 2023
The Colombo High Court has today (19 May) ordered the release of three defendants, including former Minister Johnston Fernando, who were accused of engaging employees of the Sathosa Institute in political activities while serving as Trade Minister. The case was filed by theCommission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption.
The defendants, including Johnston Fernando, had raised preliminary objections before the court that the case filed by the Bribery Commission could not be sustained.
The Colombo High Court Judge Mr. NamalBalallegave his decision based on these considerations. He ordered the release of Johnston Fernando, former president of Lanka Sathosa Eraj Fernando, and one of its former directors, Mohammad Zakir.