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Thursday, October 29 2026
Thursday, October 29 2026
MONETABRIEF – Johnston Fernando, the chief government whip in Gotabaya Rajapaksa's administration, today pleaded guilty to owing a luxury car that had been stolen in England and imported into the country illegally.
Fernando entered the plea at the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court to a charge of possessing a BMW that had been imported without customs duty or any other tax being paid.
The vehicle was found parked at the Hilton hotel in September 2024, just days before the presidential election which was won by the then opposition candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
During the investigation, it was found that the black BMW had been stolen in England in 2021, then dismantled and shipped to Sri Lanka. The car, which Fernando used with a number plate stolen from a local garage, had been brought into the country as “spare parts” and reassembled.
He had been charged under both customs laws and the Motor Traffic Act. He was also accused of using a vehicle without proper registration.
The magistrate adjourned sentencing until November 11. Fernando could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to three times the value of the vehicle. The car is also expected to be confiscated. (Colombo, 28 October 2026)
| 3 month bill | 9.26% | 1bp ▲ |
| 12-m bill | 9.95% | 2bp - |
| Gold (Ounce) | $4015 | - ▼ |
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