• Charges include money laundering, offences against public property, State property misuse and criminal misappropriation, all involving Sathosa

Investigations have been initiated to arrest former Minister Johnston Fernando in connection with allegations that a Lanka Sathosa-owned lorry was misused, resulting in a financial loss to the Government. However, reports indicate that although investigations are underway to arrest Fernando, the Police have so far been unable to ascertain his whereabouts. Accordingly, it is further reported that five Police teams have been deployed to carry out investigations to arrest him.

Meanwhile, Fernando’s son, Johan Fernando, was arrested on Tuesday (30) by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID). The FCID commenced investigations following a complaint alleging that, during the period when Johnston Fernando served as the Cooperatives and Internal Trade Minister, a lorry belonging to the Sathosa had been used for the operations of an ethanol company reportedly owned by him. The investigation relates to an incident involving an alleged loss of Rs. 250,000 to the Government. In connection with the investigation, the Attorney General has instructed that Johnston Fernando and Johan Fernando be arrested in relation to the incident. Accordingly, Johan Fernando was arrested in Kurunegala on Tuesday by officers of the Police FCID. He was arrested on charges including money laundering, offences under the Offences Against Public Property Act, the misuse of State property, and the criminal misappropriation of a lorry belonging to Lanka Sathosa and other vehicles during the tenure of Johnston Fernando as the Trade Minister. Johan Fernando was produced before the Wattala Magistrate’s Court and has been remanded until 9 January of this year (2026).

Investigations are continuing to arrest Johnston Fernando under the same charges, and a senior Police officer stated that his whereabouts have not yet been identified.