On 4 September 2026, CIABOC arrested Johnston Fernando over alleged corruption in the procurement of chairs for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Auditorium in Polgolla - alleging the chairs were bought from a bidder other than the lowest compliant one, at a loss of roughly Rs. 7.97 million to the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau. He was granted bail the same day, with two sureties of Rs. 2.5 million each and a travel ban imposed.
What changed?
The investigation has moved from inquiry to a formal arrest. Fernando was not remanded - he was released on bail conditions the same day. An arrest and bail are not a finding of guilt.
Under investigation, no arrestArrested and released on bail, subject to a travel ban
What happens next?
17 November 2026: The case is next listed at the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court.
