Johnston's two and a half lakh theft is a trivial matter, the government is retaliating at a loss - Namal

Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa visited Mahara Prison today to inquire about the well-being of former Minister Johnston Fernando, who is currently remanded. Speaking to the media after the visit, the MP stated that the government has so far spent over fifteen lakhs of rupees for an incident where things worth approximately two and a half lakhs of rupees were allegedly stolen.

He also emphasized that this is merely a political vendetta carried out by the government at a loss.

The main accusation leveled against the former Minister of Cooperatives and Internal Trade is the criminal misappropriation of government funds and property by using Lanka Sathosa trucks and drivers. Arrests have been made in connection with an investigation conducted by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division regarding the misuse of a Sathosa lorry in this manner. Accordingly, in addition to Johnston Fernando, Johan Fernando, Jeram Fernando, and a former transport manager of Sathosa have also been re-remanded under this.

In addition, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has filed a separate case against Johnston. It is alleged that during the period from 2010 to 2014, while serving as the Minister of Trade, he caused a financial loss to the government by removing Sathosa employees from their legitimate duties and engaging them in political activities.