The Colombo High Court has ordered to release three defendants, including former minister Johnston Fernando, who were accused of causing a loss to the government by removing Sathosa employees from their duties and deploying them in political activities.These accusations were made against former trade minister Fernando, former Sathosa Chairman Eraj Fernando and one of its former directors Mohammad Zakir.

The defendants, including Mr. Fernando, had raised initial objections in the court that the case filed by the Bribery Commission could not be maintained.

Colombo High Court Judge Namal Balalle accepted the initial objection and then ordered to release the three defendants.