Court acquits Trade Minister
by Sarath MALALASEKERA
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Minister Johnston Fernando with his Senior Attorney Upali
Senaratne and the other lawyers after he was acquitted by the
Kurunegala Magistrate. Pic:Chaminda Niroshan
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Kurunegala Chief Magistrate and Additional District Judge Kavindra
Nanayakkara acquitted and discharged Minister Johnston Fernando and five
others who were charged on three counts of causing damaged to the
property of Deputy Minister Jayaratne Herath on February 24, 2004 on the
nomination day.
The Judge Nanayakkara in her lengthy order stated that the
prosecution had failed to prove the charges against the accused and
therefore the court is acquitting the accused.
Six witnesses gave evidence and one complainant did not testify at
the trial.
After the prosecution closed the case Senior Attorney Upali
Senaratne, Senior Counsel for the Minister Fernando, submitted that the
accused should be acquitted under the Section 186 of the Criminal
Procedure Code.
Senior Counsel Senaratne also submitted that there was no evidence
whatsoever to charge the accused.
Sub Inspector Priyankara of the Kurunegala Police appeared for the
prosecution.
Senior Attorney Upali Senaratne with Wasantha Gunawardena, Lakmal
Ratnayake, Jayaprema Tennakoon and Nihal Kirinda appeared for the six
accused including the Minister Johnston Fernando.
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