Social activist Osala Herath has sought information from the University of Wolverhampton regarding the visit to London and Wolverhampton University by then President Ranil Wickremesinghe to attend the awarding of a honorary professorship to his wife Prof. Maithri Wickremesinghe. The request was made under the British Freedom of Information Act.
The University of Wolverhampton’s response to the request clearly shows that the invitation was extended only to Maithri Wickremesinghe. It also states that the University of Wolverhampton only provided lunch to Ranil Wickremesinghe. He did not attend any other official function there.
The responses provided by the University of Wolverhampton to Osala Herath follows:
Decision
In accordance with Section 1(1)(a) of the FOIA, I can confirm that the requested information is held by the University of Wolverhampton in full.
I have decided to disclose the requested information in full.
Please find the requested information contained within Schedule 1 below.
Right of Review
If you are dissatisfied with our response, please contact us with the details of your dispute via email at [email protected] and we will conduct an internal review of our response.
If you are still dissatisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right of complaint to the Information Commissioner at the following address: https://ico.org.uk/
Sophie Esson, Information Right manager
27 Feb 2026
Schedule 1
I am conducting a verification of facts regarding a high-profile visit to your University in September 2023, specifically concerning the then-President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe. I refer to a media report published by the Jade Times (copy attached/linked below), which claims that the President’s visit involved official diplomatic engagements with University leadership.
To ensure the accuracy of the public record, I request that you provide the following information.
1. Verification of “Official Engagement” Claims
The attached article states that President Wickremesinghe “met with the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and senior officials to discuss academic cooperation, student exchanges, and research partnerships.”
Question: Can the University confirm if official minutes, agendas, or Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) exist for such meetings on or around 22nd September 2023?
No other documents are held by the University.
Question: Was this meeting classified by the University as a formal diplomatic dialogue, or was it a courtesy call incidental to his attendance at a social/ceremonial event?
Not applicable.
The invitation was for a luncheon held for Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe.
2. Nature of the Invitation
Question: Was the invitation to Mr. Wickremesinghe extended in his capacity as the Head of State for the purpose of bilateral education discussions, or was he invited primarily in his personal capacity as the spouse of the honorary awardee (Prof. Maithree Wickremesinghe)?
The invitation was for a luncheon held for Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe.
3. Financial & Protocol Arrangements
Question: Did the University of Wolverhampton cover any costs associated with Mr. Wickremesinghe’s attendance (e.g., security, transport, accommodation), or were these costs borne by the guest?
University provided a lunch.
Question: Was the invitation and subsequent itinerary coordinated through the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK, as is standard protocol for official state visits?
The invitation for a luncheon was sent directly to the attendees.
4. Confirmation of Attendees
Question: The article implies a formal delegation. Please provide a list of University officials present at the specific meeting referenced in the article, if such a formal meeting took place.
Not applicable.
