By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

Making a fresh order regarding former Minister Johnston Fernando, the Colombo Fort Magistrate yesterday ordered him to be released on bail in connection with the attacks that took place at Galle Face.  

While ordering the suspect to be released on bail, Magistrate Thilina Gamage observed that there are no materials before court to reject bail for the suspect in terms of the section 14 (1) of the Bail Act. The Attorney General also did not raise objections to release the suspect on bail.

   
Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered to release Johnston Fernando on two sureties of ten million rupees. The Fort Magistrate made this order in compliance with an order issued by Court of Appeal pursuant to a writ petition filed by Johnston Fernando.  

Meanwhile, the Magistrate issued an order directing Fernando to appear before CID on Friday (24) for the purpose of recording a statement from him regarding the ongoing investigations into the incident.  

On June 08, the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Johnston Fernando in connection with the Galle Face attack case.  

However, the Court of Appeal issued an order directing Johnston Fernando to appear before Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court before 8pm on June 9. Subsequently, he was released on bail by the Magistrate.