Colombo, Sri Lanka (October 30, 2024) – Johnston Fernando, former Minister and prominent political figure, was granted release on bail today by the Fort Magistrate Court. The court approved his release under five personal bails, each valued at 50 lakhs, following his remand by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) amid an investigation into his use of an unregistered luxury vehicle.
The case unfolded after Fernando’s alleged involvement with a luxury BMW, reportedly assembled in Sri Lanka, attracted scrutiny. However, in a surprising turn during court proceedings, police clarified that Fernando had no involvement in the reported theft of a luxury car originating from England. This revelation comes after suspicions arose surrounding the car’s unregistered status and potential links to a larger luxury vehicle theft ring.
“Johnston Fernando was neither involved in nor connected to the theft of any vehicle, locally or internationally,” police confirmed in court, clarifying that the vehicle in question was not tied to an international car theft scheme.
Fernando’s release today marks a critical development in the case, as legal analysts suggest the focus may shift toward identifying other suspects and determining the full context of the vehicle’s origins. For Fernando, the court’s decision represents a step away from a high-profile legal hurdle, though questions remain regarding the origins of the unregistered BMW he was allegedly using.
With his release, Fernando is expected to resume his political and public activities, as his legal team prepares for any upcoming developments related to the vehicle’s ownership and registration status.
