AG to Conclude Probe Into Former President Wickremesinghe Within a Month; Case Expected in March

Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, made the announcement when the case was taken up before Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Netthikumara.

The case concerns allegations that Wickremesinghe misused more than Rs. 16.6 million in public funds to undertake a trip to the United Kingdom during his presidency, purportedly to attend a graduation ceremony of his wife, Maithri Wickremesinghe.

During today’s hearing, several significant developments under the Public Property Act were presented to the court.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reported that its inquiries had confirmed the visit to the UK was private in nature. Wickremesinghe appeared before court as the first suspect, represented by several presidential counsel.

The court was briefed on the progress of the investigation, with directions issued to expedite the remaining work. CID officers had travelled to the UK to verify the authenticity of an invitation letter allegedly issued by the University of Wolverhampton. Their summary report, based on statements from 13 officials of the British High Commission, concluded that the visit had been a private one.

The Additional Solicitor General also raised questions over the accuracy of medical reports previously submitted by Wickremesinghe to secure bail.

Meanwhile, former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, named as the second suspect, surrendered to court through President’s Counsel Kalinga Indratissa. Facing similar charges under the Public Property Act, Ekanayake was remanded until 11 February after no substantive submissions were made on his behalf. He has also been placed under a travel ban.

The Attorney General’s Department stated that, following the review of the full investigation file, necessary steps will be taken to file charges against Wickremesinghe in a higher court in March.

(with the inputs frpm Satahan web site)