This is an act of revenge, there is no evidence - says Johnny, who came from hiding

Former Minister Johnston Fernando appeared before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning (05). He had been summoned to the FCID by the police.

The police had previously informed him that his appearance was mandatory, and if he failed to appear, steps would be taken to obtain a court warrant for his arrest.

Former Minister Johnston Fernando appeared before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning (05). He had been summoned to the FCID by the police.

The police had previously informed him that his appearance was mandatory, and if he failed to appear, steps would be taken to obtain a court warrant for his arrest.

Speaking to the media when he appeared before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), the former minister emphasized that this was a political vendetta against his family. He stated that "the Financial Crimes Investigation Division is not a new place for him, and this is an attempt to imprison his entire family." He accused that this was planned on New Year's Day, involving his two children in a case that took place about ten years ago, without any evidence. He also said that the government is spending millions of rupees on this mudslinging campaign. Mr. Johnston Fernando further stated that neither he nor his children have committed any wrongdoing, that he is not afraid of this, and that he expects justice and fairness to prevail.

'This is not a new place. This is a complete political vendetta... They are trying to imprison an entire family... Without any evidence, they took my two children for a case that is about 10 years old, then they took me, and this was a one-day plan executed on New Year's Day... It's nothing else. The government is spending millions on this, to sling mud... I haven't committed any wrongdoing, my two children haven't committed any wrongdoing, and I haven't committed any wrongdoing... So we will face this...'

These investigations have commenced in connection with an incident where a lorry belonging to the Sathosa institution was misused, causing a financial loss to the government. In addition, investigations are underway regarding several other matters. In connection with this incident, Mr. Indika Ratnamalala, who served as the transport manager of the Sathosa institution, was arrested yesterday (04).

Mr. Indika Ratnamalala has been accused of preparing fraudulent documents to deploy a lorry belonging to the Sathosa institution for duties at an ethanol company for Mr. Johan Fernando, son of former Minister Johnston Fernando, during the time Mr. Johnston Fernando served as the Minister of Cooperatives and Internal Trade. After his arrest, Mr. Ratnamalala was presented before the Wattala Magistrate's Court and has been remanded until January 09. Meanwhile, Mr. Johnston Fernando stated that the Financial Crimes Investigation Division is a familiar place for him, and the real reason for his summons has not yet been communicated.