The Colombo High Court released Minister Johnston Fernando from a case filed by the Bribery Commission.

The Commission took legal action against Fernando for using 153 worked at Sathosa for election-related work and incurring a loss of Rs. 40 million to the government.

Johnston Fernando and his lawyers filed a preliminary objection in the Colombo Magistrate's Court stating that the manner in which the case was filed was against the law. . Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige, who heard the petition, ruled that the Bribery Commission itself had filed charges against Minister Johnston Fernando.

Accordingly, the High Court Judge ordered the release of Johnston Fernando from the case and ruled that the manner in which the case had been filed was against the law.