The suspects, including the former Minister’s elder son Johan Fernando and younger son Jerome Fernando, were produced before the Wattala Additional Magistrate. Among the five suspects currently in custody is also a former Transport Manager of the state-owned retail chain, Lanka Sathosa.
The case pertains to an ongoing investigation by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) into the alleged misappropriation and misuse of a lorry belonging to Lanka Sathosa. It is alleged that the vehicle was utilized for private purposes during the former Minister’s tenure, causing a financial loss to the state.
The FCID arrested the suspects following extensive investigations into the logistical records and internal management of the Sathosa transport department during the period in question.
During today's hearing, the Magistrate considered the submissions made by the investigators regarding the progress of the probe. The court denied the bail applications filed by the defense and ordered the suspects to be held in judicial custody for another two weeks to facilitate further inquiries.
The court directed the FCID to submit a comprehensive progress report when the case is recalled on April 2.
