Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Johnston Fernando – generally referred to as “Johnny” – is known by everyone, despised by the people of the aragalaya (people’s struggle), apparently protected by the Government, and is being searched for by the law enforcement authorities. However, he is nowhere to be found.
This is despite it being four days since two Criminal Investigation Department (CID) teams were appointed to arrest the former Minister and Chief Government Whip, following the Attorney General’s (AG’s) Department’s statement to the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court six days ago that he has been named a suspect in the case involving the brutal and politically driven 9 May attacks on peaceful protesters at the “GotaGoGama” protest site.
Fernando is a famous figure known by the entire country, and the identities of his major associates and businesses are not at all secrets. However, the law enforcement authorities have been unable to discern his whereabouts, despite it being days since they started searching for him, and despite the gravity of the charges against him. Justice seekers are especially concerned about this situation, because the Police seem to have been prompt in arresting the rest of the suspects of the case.
Fernando could be in two places – he should either be in a place that the law enforcement authorities are not permitted to enter, in which case we have to question whether he is being protected by powerful people, or in a place that the law enforcement authorities cannot locate, in which case we have to question the law enforcement authorities’ competency. Either way, the fact that he has not been arrested yet is a black mark on the country’s law enforcement agencies.
If Fernando is hiding in a place that the law enforcement authorities cannot enter, which cannot be ruled out given his influence, it shows that political power, or some other form of power, has overruled the law. Fernando has a reputation for being a hardline supporter of the Government who is ready to protect the Government at any cost, and during the past few years, he has made numerous statements to prove it. In this context – especially given Sri Lanka’s history of politicians protecting politicians regardless of the law and the people’s interests – having doubts as to whether he is receiving the support of the people in power and of rank are completely justifiable. However, the fact that it may actually be happening, is unacceptable, as it is tantamount to harbouring a fugitive.
In a context where a lot of people, regardless of their profession, have grown tired of prominent figures of the Government, it is difficult to believe that no one wanted to provide a tip-off about Fernando’s whereabouts. We remember how word got out within hours when famous politicians, including former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, allegedly hid in a skyscraper hotel near the Galle Face on various occasions. We also remember how even former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was unable to keep it a secret that he was staying in the Trincomalee Naval Base following the 9th May attacks.
On the other hand, if Fernando is hiding in a place that the law enforcement authorities cannot find, that raises serious concerns about their competency, because a person of that status cannot hide easily. The law enforcement authorities have, on countless occasions, found suspects with little to no information even about their appearance. We remember how quickly and precisely the law enforcement authorities tracked down the couple that made a pornographic video near the Pahanthudawa waterfall. The CID having been appointed to look into Fernando’s disappearance is a good move. However, whether the CID finds and arrests Fernando is what will determine if the law enforcement authorities have become a laughing stock, because they have already lost face due to the manner in which they dealt with peaceful protestors during the past two months.
The 9 May attacks are not a matter that can be taken lightly. Not only Sri Lankans, but also a number of international entities including those working on human rights are vigilant about how investigations into the 9 May attacks are being conducted. The Government and the relevant authorities have a responsibility to expedite and streamline not only this investigation, but all investigations pertaining to the 9 May attacks. Finding out whether there are obstacles for the law enforcement authorities to perform their duties, and whether they require more support, are actions that cannot wait.
A single powerful politician should not be allowed to tarnish the law enforcement authorities’ name.Elusive Johnston an indictment of the Police
07 Jun 2022
Elusive Johnston an indictment of the Police
07 Jun 2022
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Johnston Fernando – generally referred to as “Johnny” – is known by everyone, despised by the people of the aragalaya (people’s struggle), apparently protected by the Government, and is being searched for by the law enforcement authorities. However, he is nowhere to be found.
This is despite it being four days since two Criminal Investigation Department (CID) teams were appointed to arrest the former Minister and Chief Government Whip, following the Attorney General’s (AG’s) Department’s statement to the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court six days ago that he has been named a suspect in the case involving the brutal and politically driven 9 May attacks on peaceful protesters at the “GotaGoGama” protest site.
Fernando is a famous figure known by the entire country, and the identities of his major associates and businesses are not at all secrets. However, the law enforcement authorities have been unable to discern his whereabouts, despite it being days since they started searching for him, and despite the gravity of the charges against him. Justice seekers are especially concerned about this situation, because the Police seem to have been prompt in arresting the rest of the suspects of the case.
Fernando could be in two places – he should either be in a place that the law enforcement authorities are not permitted to enter, in which case we have to question whether he is being protected by powerful people, or in a place that the law enforcement authorities cannot locate, in which case we have to question the law enforcement authorities’ competency. Either way, the fact that he has not been arrested yet is a black mark on the country’s law enforcement agencies.
If Fernando is hiding in a place that the law enforcement authorities cannot enter, which cannot be ruled out given his influence, it shows that political power, or some other form of power, has overruled the law. Fernando has a reputation for being a hardline supporter of the Government who is ready to protect the Government at any cost, and during the past few years, he has made numerous statements to prove it. In this context – especially given Sri Lanka’s history of politicians protecting politicians regardless of the law and the people’s interests – having doubts as to whether he is receiving the support of the people in power and of rank are completely justifiable. However, the fact that it may actually be happening, is unacceptable, as it is tantamount to harbouring a fugitive.
In a context where a lot of people, regardless of their profession, have grown tired of prominent figures of the Government, it is difficult to believe that no one wanted to provide a tip-off about Fernando’s whereabouts. We remember how word got out within hours when famous politicians, including former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, allegedly hid in a skyscraper hotel near the Galle Face on various occasions. We also remember how even former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was unable to keep it a secret that he was staying in the Trincomalee Naval Base following the 9th May attacks.
On the other hand, if Fernando is hiding in a place that the law enforcement authorities cannot find, that raises serious concerns about their competency, because a person of that status cannot hide easily. The law enforcement authorities have, on countless occasions, found suspects with little to no information even about their appearance. We remember how quickly and precisely the law enforcement authorities tracked down the couple that made a pornographic video near the Pahanthudawa waterfall. The CID having been appointed to look into Fernando’s disappearance is a good move. However, whether the CID finds and arrests Fernando is what will determine if the law enforcement authorities have become a laughing stock, because they have already lost face due to the manner in which they dealt with peaceful protestors during the past two months.
The 9 May attacks are not a matter that can be taken lightly. Not only Sri Lankans, but also a number of international entities including those working on human rights are vigilant about how investigations into the 9 May attacks are being conducted. The Government and the relevant authorities have a responsibility to expedite and streamline not only this investigation, but all investigations pertaining to the 9 May attacks. Finding out whether there are obstacles for the law enforcement authorities to perform their duties, and whether they require more support, are actions that cannot wait.
A single powerful politician should not be allowed to tarnish the law enforcement authorities’ name.Kapruka
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Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!