The former Transport Manager of the Cooperative Wholesale Corporation (Lanka Sathosa), Indika Ratnamalala, has been remanded until January 9 by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court.
The order was issued after the suspect was produced before the court today (January 4).
Ratnamalala was arrested by officers of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) while allegedly hiding at a hotel in the Galle area, in connection with an investigation into the misuse of state property.
According to police, the suspect served as the Transport Manager of Lanka Sathosa from 2011 to 2021. He is alleged to have misused a lorry belonging to the institution by providing it to a private entity, claiming it was required for ministry-related duties. Investigations have further revealed that salaries of employees attached to the private institution were allegedly paid by the government.
Police noted that the suspect had previously been arrested in 2012 in connection with the same incident.
Meanwhile, former Minister Johnston Fernando’s son, Johan Fernando, who was also arrested in relation to the case, has been remanded until January 9.
Police further stated that former Minister Johnston Fernando and his younger son are also due to be arrested in connection with the investigation, adding that both are currently evading arrest.
