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Former Minister Johnston Fernando has denied media reports claiming that he was charged with vehicle import tax fraud or pleaded guilty to such an offence, saying the case taken up at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on October 28 involved only three charges under the Motor Traffic Act.In a media statement, Fernando said no charges had been filed against him over the importation of the vehicle into Sri Lanka, its ownership or the non-payment of import duties.He also stressed that he was not the owner of the vehicle and described reports suggesting that he had admitted guilt to vehicle import tax fraud as inaccurate and misleading.

Fernando said a separate case had been filed before the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court under the Motor Traffic Act against the individual who had possession of the vehicle.He said pleading guilty to a charge relating to the possession of a motor vehicle was legally distinct from admitting guilt to vehicle import tax fraud, adding that he had not been charged with the latter offence.