Johnston Fernando

Johnston Xavier Fernando (born 5 December 1964) is a Sri Lankan politician, former Cabinet Minister, Chief Government Whip and a current member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka from the Kurunegala District.[1] He belongs to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.[2]

Hon.
Johnston Fernando
MP
ජොන්ස්ටන් ප්‍රනාන්දු
ஜான்ஸ்டன் பெர்னாண்டோ
Minister of Highways[N 1]
In office
22 November 2019 – 18 April 2022
PresidentGotabaya Rajapaksa
Prime MinisterMahinda Rajapaksa
Preceded byKabir Hashim[N 2]
Succeeded byKanaka Herath
Chief Government Whip
In office
3 January 2020 – 18 April 2022
PresidentGotabaya Rajapaksa
Prime MinisterMahinda Rajapaksa
Preceded byGayantha Karunathilaka
Succeeded byPrasanna Ranatunga
Minister of Ports and Shipping
In office
22 November 2019 – 12 August 2020
PresidentGotabaya Rajapaksa
Prime MinisterMahinda Rajapaksa
Preceded bySagala Ratnayaka
Succeeded byRohitha Abeygunawardena
Minister of Trade, Consumer Affairs, Co-operative Development and Christian Religious Affairs
In office
9 November 2018 – 15 December 2018
PresidentMaithripala Sirisena
Prime MinisterMahinda Rajapaksa
Preceded byMalik Samarawickrama
Succeeded byMalik Samarawickrama
Project Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports
In office
2001–2004
Minister of Co-operatives & Internal Trade
In office
2010 – 12 January 2015
Member of Parliament
for Kurunegala District
Assumed office
2000
Personal details
Born (1964-12-05) 5 December 1964
NationalitySri Lankan
Political partySri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (Democratic)
Other political
affiliations		United People's Freedom Alliance
ChildrenJohan Fernando and 1
Residence(s)61 Wilgoda Road, Kurunegala
Alma materSt. Anne's College, Kurunegala
OccupationBusinessman
Websitejohnstonfernando.lk

Controversies

Corruption

Johnston Fernando was arrested on 5 May 2015 in relation to the non-payment for goods worth more than 5 million rupees but was released on bail amounting to Rs. 25,000 and three sureties worth Rs. 2.5 million each. He is also being investigated on financial irregularities connected to Lanka Sathosa during his tenure as the Cooperatives and Internal Trade Minister.[3] The bribery commission also filed a case against him for failing to declare assets and liabilities from 2010 to 2014.[4]

Threatening others including an MP

When the United National party MP Mujibur Rahuman mentioned Wasim Thajudeen a group of UPFA members including Fernando surrounded the MP obstructing his speech. It was claimed that the group made death threats to the MP.[5] He was also alleged to have threatened anyone who touches Mayor of Kurunegala, Thushara Sanjeewa, about the wrecking down of archaeological grounds in Kurunegala.[6]

Education

St. Anne's College, Kurunegala

Portfolio
  • 1991 – Councilor in Kurunegala Municipal Council (6936 Votes - 1st Place)
  • 1993 – Minister of Health Ministry and Member of Wayamba Provincial Council
  • 1994 – Candidate for the Parliament Election (40794 Votes)
  • 1999 – Member of Wayamba Provincial Council (50489 Votes - 2nd Place)
  • 2000 – Member of Parliament (94385 Votes - 2nd Place in Kurunegala District)
  • 2001 – Minister of Spots and Youth Affairs Ministry (114845 Votes - 2nd Place in Kurunegala District)
  • 2004 – Member of Parliament (112601 Votes - 2nd Place in Kurunegala District)
  • 2009 – Minister of lands, land development and Armed Forces welfare
  • 2022 – Minister of Highways and Chief Government Whip

See also

Notes
  1. As Minister of Roads and Highways from 22 November 2019 to 12 August 2020
  2. As Minister of Highways, Road Development and Petroleum Resources Development

References
  1. "Hon. Johnston Fernando, M.P." Directory of Members. Parliament of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  2. "Johnston Fernando". Manthri.lk. 19 April 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  3. "UPDATE: Johnston Fernando released on bail - Newsfirst". Sri Lanka News - Newsfirst | News1st | newsfirst.lk | Breaking. Retrieved 2015-12-13.
  4. "Sri Lanka : Bribery Commission files case against former minister Johnston Fernando". www.colombopage.com. Retrieved 2015-12-13.
  5. "economynext.com". www.economynext.com. Retrieved 2015-12-13.
  6. "Johnny vows to protect Kurunegala Mayor against criticism". www.lankanewsweb.net. Retrieved 2020-07-23.


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