Yesterday morning (22), former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was taken into custody and charged under Sections 386 and 388 of the Penal Code as well as under the Public Property Act.
Appearing on behalf of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris told the court that the investigation was launched regarding the expenditure of Rs. 16.6 million of state funds for a private visit to the United Kingdom by the former President on September 22–23, 2023.
He explained that 33 statements had already been recorded in connection with the incident.
After an official visit to Cuba and the United States from September 13 to 20, 2023, Mr. Wickremesinghe had traveled to the UK on September 22 for a private trip. Investigations revealed that he went there to attend a ceremony where his wife was awarded the title of Honorary Professor.
The former President was accompanied by his wife, his private secretary Sandra Perera, a doctor, several police officers, and others—a total of 10 people.
This visit was not based on an official invitation from the UK government. The funds for the trip had been approved by then Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, who has now been identified as the main suspect in the case.
During the one-and-a-half-day trip, the following state expenses were recorded:
Rs. 4,475,160 for vehicles,
nearly Rs. 1.4 million as vehicle deposits,
over Rs. 1.3 million for food and beverages,
nearly Rs. 3.4 million for hotel accommodation,
and £6,000 for reserving a VIP lounge at the airport.
The Additional Solicitor General pointed out that, at the time, a circular issued by the Presidential Secretariat had instructed that public funds should only be used for essential expenditure, considering the ongoing economic crisis in the country. He said that when the country was struggling to find even a single dollar, the accused, as the head of state, had wrongfully spent public funds on a private trip.
He also noted that no prior approval had been obtained for these expenses.
“The former Presidential Secretary acted wrongfully in this matter. Public officials must guide politicians in the right direction. Public funds cannot be used for personal wishes,” the Additional Solicitor General emphasized.
He also pointed out that Mr. Wickremesinghe himself had admitted in his statement to the CID that the UK visit was a private trip. His private secretary, Mrs. Sandra Perera, had also stated in her response that the Foreign Ministry had been informed this was a private visit.
“Who then turned this private trip into an official visit?” the Additional Solicitor General asked the court, adding that investigations into that matter were ongoing.
He further questioned whether it was justifiable to incur such expenses during an economic crisis, stressing that the President is a trustee of the people and cannot arbitrarily spend public money.
He told the court that the investigation is not yet complete and that more arrests are expected. Accordingly, he requested the court not to consider the accused’s rank or position and opposed any bail being granted.
Representing Mr. Wickremesinghe, President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne argued that the investigation began due to a complaint filed by a secretary living in Kurunegala. He also cited a report by the National Audit Office, which had examined the trip but stated that no illegal act had taken place. He criticized investigators for ignoring this report.
Premaratne further said that all invitations to a sitting President should be considered official, pointing out that past leaders such as Chandrika Kumaratunga, Lakshman Kadirgamar, and Lalith Athulathmudali had joined similar visits.
He argued that a President cannot travel abroad on economy tickets, use hired cars, and stay in friends’ houses, noting that such behavior was incompatible with the office of the Head of State.
He stated that Mr. Wickremesinghe attended the UK event based on an invitation from the University of Wolverhampton that came through the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, which should be considered an official invitation.
Premaratne added that the financial regulations cited applied only to ministry secretaries and provincial council secretaries, not to office holders like the President, Prime Minister, or Speaker.
He also submitted medical reports to court showing that Mr. Wickremesinghe suffers from heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and high blood pressure, while his wife has been diagnosed with cancer. On these grounds, he requested that the accused be released on bail under any condition.
At times, heated arguments broke out between the Additional Solicitor General and defense lawyer Gunaratne Wanninayake, who appeared on behalf of the complainant. The Magistrate had to intervene several times to calm the situation.
