January 05, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Johnston Fernando and his youngest son, Jerome Kenneth Fernando, who were taken into custody earlier today by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), have been ordered to remain in remand custody until January 09.

The order was issued by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court following their production before the court, according to court sources. The arrests relate to an ongoing investigation into the alleged unauthorised use of a vehicle belonging to Lanka Sathosa during Mr Fernando’s time in office.

Police had earlier indicated that legal steps would be taken to secure the former minister’s arrest if he failed to appear before the FCID as directed. Investigators allege that the misuse of state-owned vehicles, including a Sathosa lorry, resulted in a substantial financial loss to the government.

The case has also led to the arrest of Indika Ratnamalala, who served as Transport Manager at Lanka Sathosa while Mr Fernando was Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade. He was taken into custody yesterday and subsequently remanded until January 09 after being produced before the same magistrate’s court.

Authorities allege that forged documentation was prepared to enable the use of a Sathosa lorry for operations linked to a private company said to be associated with the former minister’s family. Investigations are continuing as police gather further evidence and record additional statements.