Johnston Fernando
Former Cabinet Minister and former Member of Parliament · Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP)
Overview
- Status
- CHARGES PENDING
- Current Case
- Alleged misuse of a Lanka Sathosa lorry causing an estimated loss of about Rs. 2.5 million to the State.
- Next Hearing
- 17 November 2026
- Last Verified
- 4 September 2026
The short version
Johnston Fernando is facing charges. Alleged misuse of a Lanka Sathosa lorry causing an estimated loss of about Rs. 2.5 million to the State. Bail granted after about four months in remand; case was to be recalled 10 Jul 2026. Next scheduled hearing: 17 November 2026.
How did we get here?
- UpcomingCase 2
Next Step Pending
Separate from the lorry-misuse matter. On 4 Aug 2026 a five-judge Court of Appeal bench set aside the High Court discharge and ordered the corruption trial to resume without delay.
Court: Colombo High Court
- UpcomingCase 4
Next Step Pending
Johnston Fernando was questioned on 2 Jun 2026. No indictment located in the validation pass.
Sources (1)
- 17 November 2026Case 3
Next Hearing
(Next reported court date)
Court: Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court
- 10 July 2026Case 1
Hearing
Bail granted after about four months in remand; case was to be recalled 10 Jul 2026.
Court: Colombo Magistrate's Court
Sources (2)
Court cases
Alleged misuse of a Lanka Sathosa lorry causing an estimated loss of about Rs. 2.5 million to the State.
What’s happened
Bail granted after about four months in remand; case was to be recalled 10 Jul 2026.
- Court
- Colombo Magistrate's Court
- Next hearing / due
- 10 July 2026
Sources (2)
Separate corruption prosecution concerning the alleged use of Lanka Sathosa employees for political activities.
What’s happened
Separate from the lorry-misuse matter. On 4 Aug 2026 a five-judge Court of Appeal bench set aside the High Court discharge and ordered the corruption trial to resume without delay.
- Court
- Colombo High Court
- Next hearing / due
- Separate from the lorry-misuse matter. On 4 Aug 2026 a five-judge Court of Appeal bench set aside the High Court discharge and ordered the corruption trial to resume without delay.
Alleged corruption in procurement of chairs for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Auditorium in Polgolla. CIABOC alleged that chairs were purchased from a company other than the lowest compliant bidder, causing a loss of approximately Rs. 7,973,114.50 to the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau.
What’s happened
Arrested and bailed on 4 Sep 2026; two sureties of Rs.2.5 million each and a travel ban were imposed.
- Court
- Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court
- Next hearing / due
- 17 November 2026
Investigation concerning a vehicle allegedly supplied on a rental basis to Sampath Manamperi.
What’s happened
Johnston Fernando was questioned on 2 Jun 2026. No indictment located in the validation pass.
- Court
- Not publicly confirmed
- Next hearing / due
- Johnston Fernando was questioned on 2 Jun 2026. No indictment located in the validation pass.
Sources (1)
Political career
Ministerial positions
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
2001–2004
Land-related ministerial portfolio
2009–2010
Minister of Cooperatives and Internal Trade
2010–2015
Minister of Trade / Consumer Affairs / Cooperatives / Christian Affairs
2018–2018
Minister of Roads and Highways; Ports and Shipping; Chief Government Whip
2019–2020
Minister of Highways; Chief Government Whip
2020–2022
Former Cabinet Minister and former Member of Parliament
Dates not publicly confirmed
Other political positions
No other positions publicly confirmed.
Party history
Confirmed SLFP Central Committee member by Sep 2011. Exact end is unresolved.
Sources (1)
Reported among MPs obtaining SLPP membership in Nov 2018 and definitively elected under SLPP in 2020. Because the wider 2018 crossover created formal-membership disputes, the exact legal switch is marked reported.