Former Minister Johnston Fernando, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), has been granted bail.        

Johnston Fernando was arrested by CIABOC today (04) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Accordingly, former Minister Johnston Fernando and Hemantha Lalith de Silva, the owner of a private company, were granted bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.

The two suspects were released on two personal bail bonds of Rs. 2.5 million each while a travel ban was also imposed both suspects, Ada Derana reporter said. 

The order was issued after considering submissions made by CIABOC officials and attorneys representing the suspects.

The two suspects were arrested over allegations that the government suffered a loss of approximately Rs. 7.9 million in connection with the purchase of chairs for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre in Polgolla.

According to the allegations, the chairs were not purchased from the company that had submitted the lowest quotation. Instead, arrangements had allegedly been made to purchase them from another private company, resulting in a loss to the government.

CIABOC requested that the suspects be remanded in custody, stating that investigations into the matter had not yet been completed.

However, President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis and attorney-at-law Rathwatte, appearing for the suspects, informed the court that their clients had fully cooperated with the investigations. They argued that there were insufficient grounds to remand the suspects and requested their release on bail under the provisions of the Bail Act.

The Chief Magistrate noted that the suspects had been accused of committing an offence under Section 70 of the Bribery Act.

However, after considering the submissions, the Magistrate ruled that sufficient grounds had not been presented to refuse bail under the Bail Act and ordered the suspects to be released.

The case was fixed for further hearing on November 17, 2026.