Johnston Fernando arrested by CIABOC over an alleged Rs. 7.4 million procurement irregularity involving chairs for a Kandy theatre.
Johnston Fernando arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption this morning, September 4, after appearing to give a statement over an alleged procurement irregularity.
The former Minister appeared before the Commission regarding the purchase of chairs for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre in Polgolla, Kandy.
Officials recorded a statement from Fernando after his arrival this morning. The Commission subsequently placed him under arrest.
The investigation relates to allegations that Fernando caused a financial loss to the government while serving as Minister of Cooperatives and Internal Trade in 2012.
The case concerns chairs valued at Rs. 7.4 million that were purchased for the theatre.
Investigators allege that proper procurement and tender procedures were not followed during the transaction.
The Bribery Commission is examining claims that the chairs were purchased through another individual despite the Ministry having already called for tenders.
The probe is focused on whether bypassing that procurement process resulted in a loss to the government.
Fernando had previously been asked to appear before the Commission to provide a statement.
Bribery Storm Hits Pohottuwa; Namal & Johnston Summoned
Namal Rajapaksa and Johnston Fernando were summoned to CIABOC over separate investigations involving the Airbus deal and a Rs. 7.4 million chair procurement.
The Morning Telegraph • September 4, 2026 • 2 min readHowever, according to the information presented, he did not attend on that occasion and cited illness as the reason for his absence.
Following today’s appearance and questioning, Johnston Fernando was arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation.
Reports indicate that the former Minister is expected to be produced before court today.
The Commission has also previously recorded a statement from the Ministry Secretary who served at the time of the alleged incident.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Fernando have not been established as guilt by a court.
