Recent media reports allege that the legal counsel for the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption presented a case against me in court. However, these reports have failed to mention that the court rejected the application to revoke the bail granted to Hon. MP Chamara Sampath. It is also noteworthy that the accused’s legal representatives opposed the submissions made by the Commission’s counsel.
In my statement to the Commission dated April 28, 2025, I explained that I had been approached by the wife of Hon. Chamara Sampath MP, who inquired whether a statement made by Minister Samantha Vidyarathna breached her husband’s parliamentary privileges. As a legal professional, I clarified that I was not in a position to make any disclosure.
I also referred the Commission to Articles 148, 149, and 150 of the Constitution, which affirm Parliament’s exclusive authority over public finances. According to these provisions, all public funds must be deposited into a Consolidated Fund, and no withdrawals can be made without a warrant from the Minister of Finance. A circular reiterating this principle does not constitute law itself. Any withdrawals must comply with the applicable provincial budgetary provisions.
The representations made against me constitute a deliberate misinterpretation of the law and facts before the court. I am currently consulting with my legal team on the appropriate course of action.
Additionally, I have addressed a letter to the Commission regarding the manner in which the investigation has been conducted by CIABOC. A copy of that letter is attached below.
Letter to the Chairman, CIABOC
Date: May 16, 2025
Addressed to:
Hon. Chairman
Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption
No. 36, Malalasekera Mawatha
Colombo 07
Dear Chairman,
I refer to the series of letters I have received from your Commission concerning the investigation being carried out under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023. The following key communications relate to the investigation:
A. Investigation notification dated April 11, 2025
B. Notice under Section 49(1) of the Act dated April 21, 2025
C. Final notice under Section 49(1) of the Act dated April 25, 2025
On April 10, 2025, the wife of Hon. Chamara Sampath sought my advice on whether her husband’s privileges were breached by a statement made by Minister Samantha Waidyaratne. The very next day, on April 11, 2025, I received a letter signed by Deputy Director General Mr. Asitha Anthony, summoning me to appear before CIABOC’s Corruption Investigation Division III on April 17, 2025.
My legal advisor, President’s Counsel Mr. Ronald Perera, subsequently informed the Director General of your Commission, Mr. Ranga Dissanayake, that neither of us could attend on the specified date due to being out of Colombo.
On April 21, 2025, your Commission requested me to appear on April 25, 2025, and cited Section 126 of the Anti-Corruption Act to evaluate whether my previous reason for non-attendance was justifiable.
On April 22, 2025, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Reshan Gamage informed the Commission that Mr. Ronald Perera would be overseas until April 27, 2025, and requested a new date for appearance. Nevertheless, the Commission’s response on April 25 also included remarks about alleged media interference, claiming I had unnecessarily commented on an individual under arrest by CIABOC.
I must also address a public claim made on April 21, 2025, by Mr. Anura Dissanayake at a political rally in Batticaloa, where he stated that he had seen my correspondence with your Commission. This raises serious concerns about the confidentiality and conduct of the investigation process.
Accordingly, I respectfully request a detailed explanation on the following points:
- The basis upon which your Director General has accused me of legal violations without substantiation.
- The sharing of my lawyer’s correspondence with the President.
My legal team will follow up with your Commission on these matters.
Sincerely,
Ranil Wickremesinghe
Former 8th Executive President of Sri Lanka
