A statement from the Bribery Commission clarifying Johnston's arrest

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has issued an official statement clarifying the specific reasons that led to the arrest of former Minister Johnston Fernando. Facts related to this arrest, which was made in connection with investigations conducted by the said Commission, have been published through the relevant statement.

Former Minister of Cooperatives and Internal Trade, Johnston Xavier Fernando, has been arrested by officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on charges of corruption for causing a loss of Rs. 7,973,114.50 to the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau and providing undue advantage to an external party during the purchase of chairs for the Polgolla Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre.

These charges have been leveled regarding the planning of the purchase from Design Point (Pvt) Ltd., instead of obtaining them from the institution that offered the lowest prices with proper standards during the relevant procurement. In connection with this incident, Patabendige Hemantha Lalith de Silva, the owner of Design Point (Pvt) Ltd., has also been arrested by the Commission on charges of aiding and abetting.

The former minister was arrested on September 04, 2026, at 9:25 AM, and the owner of the relevant company was arrested at 9:30 AM. The two suspects thus arrested are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court.