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.^[8] He was also alleged to have threatened anyone who touches Mayor of Kurunegala, Thushara Sanjeewa, about the wrecking down of archaeological grounds in Kurunegala.^[9]

2022 attack on peaceful protestors

Johnston Fernando encouraged violence against critics and peaceful protestors during the 2022 Sri Lankan Protests claiming "The problem is that the government is too lenient. If we kill one crow (anti-government protestors) and hang up their wings this will all end," . On 9 May Johnston and Mahinda Rajapaksa armed and incited loyalists to launch a violent against peaceful protestors that had occupied Temple Trees and Galle Face. Before the attack Fernando gave a speech claiming “There is something called Mynagogama in front of Temple Trees. Today, we will end that. Get ready. We will start the war!”. ^[10] The attack was condemned as an act of state terrorism and incited mass retaliation against the Rajapaksa. The protestors organized a counter-attack that resulted in Johnston's vehicle being thrown into the Beira Lake alongside many of his supporters that carried out the attack. His office in Kurunegala and his residence in Mount Lavinia were also attacked and torched as part of the mass retaliation that followed.^[11][12][13]

Sri Lanka’s Attorney General on 16th of May directed the Police to arrest Johnston Fernando and 21 others and to produce them in court 22 for the attacks on the peaceful protestors on 9th of May 2022. ^[14] However, due to his political power, the police have failed to arrest him more than two weeks since the directive. ^[15]