Warrant issued for witness in Johnston corruption case

The Colombo High Court today (5) issued a warrant for the arrest of a witness who failed to appear to give evidence in the corruption case filed against former Minister Johnston Fernando and two other defendants.

High Court Judge Mohammed Mihail issued the order after the individual, named as the 12th witness in the case, was absent during today’s proceedings.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption filed the case alleging that the defendants committed corruption by removing employees of the Sathosa network from their official duties to engage in political activities during Johnston Fernando's tenure as the Minister of Trade.

The court observed that the misuse of state employees resulted in a significant loss to the government.

The High Court further directed the police to take necessary steps to arrest the witness and produce them before the court when the case is recalled for further hearing.