The Colombo High Court (HC) today (12) ordered the next hearing of the case against former Minister Johnston Fernando and two others to be held on 6 March, 2026.

The case, linked to allegations of corruption and abuse of power during Fernando’s tenure as Trade Minister from 2010 to 2014, was heard before Judge Mohamed Mihal. Johnston Fernando and Mohamed Shakir, currently in remand custody, were produced in court by prison officials.

The case involves claims that Fernando caused financial loss to the government by misusing Sathosa employees for political purposes, including deploying them for non-official activities and removing them from their duties.