By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Johnston Fernando in connection with the Galle Face attack case.  
Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage made this pursuant to a request made by Attorney General on the basis that Johnston Fernando is currently evading CID investigations.  

Additional Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena appearing for the CID informed court that they had deployed several teams for the arrest of Parliamentarian Johnston Fernando however they were unable to locate his whereabouts.  

ASG Jinasena submitted to court that the CID has already searched several locations in Wellawatta, Battaramulla, Ja-ela and Udahamulla as a part of investigations into arresting Johnston Fernando.  

The CID upon receiving the instructions of the Attorney General had named Johnston Fernando as a suspect in connection with the Galle Face attack case.   
In its B reports, the CID had reported to court that the Ex-Minister Fernando delivered a speech on the 9th of May, in a manner inciting people to attack the protesters at MynaGoGama.  
Meanwhile, 13 suspects including Gampaha District Parliamentarian Milan Jayatillake were ordered to be released on bail.  

Meanwhile, four suspects including Parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha, Moratuwa Mayor Saman Lal Fernando and leader of Nawa Sinhale National Organisation Dan Priyasad were further remanded till June 15 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate.   

Additional Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena with Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama appeared for the CID. President’s Counsel U.R. de Silva appeared for MP Sanath Nishantha. Rienzie Arsecularatne PC, Sarath Jayamanna PC, Maithri Gunaratne PC appeared for the aggrieved parties. Anura Meddegoda PC appeared for the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.