Johnston released from bribery case by Colombo HC

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo High Court on Friday (19) ordered the release of three defendants, including former Minister Johnston Fernando, from a case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

The case was filed against former minister Johnston Fernando when he was acting as the Trade Minister, Former Sathosa Chairman Eraj Fernando and former Sathosa Director Mohammad Zakeer for committing offenses under the bribery act by enlisting the employees of Sathosa for political activities. 

Colombo High Court Judge Namal Balalle ordered for the defendants to be released after accepting the preliminary objections raised by the defense, citing that the case was not filed in accordance with the provisions of the Bribery Act. 

In it preliminary objections, the defense noted that when a complaint filed under the provisions of the Bribery Act is investigated, and when the matter is taken up at the High Court as a case, the written approval and permission of all three commissioners of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption is necessary.

They added that, however, in this instance, none of the three commissioners had placed their signature when filing the case.

Upon considering the submissions made by both factions, the High Court Judge ordered the release of the defendants.

However, Former Minister Johnston Fernando and the other defendants are facing charges for four other bribery cases filed with the Colombo High Court for the period from 2010 to 2015. 

Johnston Fernando commented on the matter while in Kurunegala.