The Honoured High Court Judge, accepting the preliminary objection raised by the defendant party of the case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against Johnston Fernando, former Minister of Co-operative and Internal Trade, Eraj Triyantha Fernando, former Chairman of the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (CWE) and Mohammad Zakeer, former Director (Acting) of CWE, has ordered to release the accused.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption filed a revision application with the Court of Appeal on 10.07.2023 against the decision of the High Court Judge in order to revise the decision. The Court of Appeal, having considered the said application ordered on 14.07.2023 to issue notice to the respondents.

Indictment against the accused was filed at Colombo High Court for employing CWE employees for work outside official duties and causing a loss to the government by paying salaries and overtime claims to them.