Johnstan's five non-assets declaration cases – Trial began

By Shehan Chamika Silva

                                                            

The trial of five cases filed against former Minister Johnston Fernando over not revealing his assets and liabilities declaration from 2010 to 2014 was today initiated before Colombo Chief Magistrate Lal Ranasinghe Bandara.

Testifying before court, prosecution witness, Senior Assistant President’s Secretary, Chandima Wickramasinghe ascertained that there was no relevant document available in Presidential Secretariat to prove any assets and liabilities declaration of former Minister according to her knowledge.

However, when cross examined by Kalinga Indatissa PC witness also said that she was unaware over any submissions regarding assets declaration directly to the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa as there was a legal provision to do so.

Meanwhile, Bribery Official Pallegedara Jayasundara, who conducted the initial inquiry over the allegation, also confirmed that according to the Presidential Secretariat there was no legal document of any assets declaration on 2010 to 2014 years.

Further, the trial would resume on July 21, 2017.

Earlier, the Commission had filed five separate cases for four years under the Non-Assets Declaration Act.