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AG’s Dept yet to decide on appeal against Johnston Fernando’s acquittal
The Attorney General’s (AG) Dept has so far not taken a decision on whether to appeal the acquittal of former Minister Johnston Fernando and two others, in the case involving the misappropriation of Rs 52.02 million of Lanka Sathosa funds, the AG’s Dept sources told the Sunday Times.
Sources further said the AG’s Dept had to first study the judgement delivered by the Kurunegala High Court acquitting the three accused, before taking a decision.
Kurunegala High Court Judge Menaka Wijesundara acquitted Mr Fernando, together with former Lanka Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando and Mr Fernando’s Private Secretary Mohamed Shakir, without calling for witnesses from the Defence.
After the Prosecution had concluded its evidence, Senior Counsel for MP Fernando, Kalinga Indratissa P.C., maintained that the Prosecution’s evidence was contradictory and untrustworthy, and called on the court to consider these facts and acquit the accused. The judge accepted the Defence’s argument under Section 200 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and acquitted all three accused.
Deputy Solicitor General Rohantha Abeysuriya led the Prosecution. President’s Counsels Kalinda Indratissa, Anil Silva and Shavindra Fernando appeared for the accused.