Sri Lanka, Oct. 29 -- Former Minister Johnston Fernando yesterday pleaded guilty before the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court to charges stemming from the unlawful possession of an unregistered luxury vehicle and tax evasion offences.

The former minister's legal counsel informed the decision during proceedings before Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena. Following submissions from both sides, Magistrate Amarasena fixed the case for November 11 to deliver the sentence. According to police investigators, the vehicle had been illegally brought into the country without paying mandatory Customs duties and State taxes. Authorities further disclosed that the vehicle was fitted with fraudulent, forged registration license plates to conceal its ...