COLOMBO –
The investigation into allegations that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe misappropriated Rs. 16.6 million in state funds during a 2024 visit to the United Kingdom has been placed under the direct supervision of Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne.
Judicial Oversight Elevated
Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe appointed Mr. Dayaratne, the Head of the Criminal Division of the Attorney General’s Department, to oversee the legal proceedings. The move is seen as a step to ensure high-level scrutiny given the sensitive nature of the case involving a former Head of State.
Currently, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris is directing the investigation, which focuses on whether public funds were misused to cover expenses related to the former President’s wife, Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe’s graduation ceremony at the University of Wolverhampton.
CID Investigation Pending Submission
While a specialized team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) recently visited the United Kingdom to gather evidence and travel records, the probe faces a procedural delay. According to sources within the Attorney General’s Department, the CID has yet to submit the formal “extracts” of the investigation conducted overseas.
These documents are critical for the AG’s Department to decide on the next course of legal action, including whether formal charges will be filed under the Public Property Act.
Background of the Controversy
The investigation stems from claims that a significant portion of the Rs. 16.6 million spent on the UK visit was utilized for what critics argue was a private family event rather than official state business.
The probe is examining:
- The breakdown of travel and accommodation costs for the presidential delegation.
- Whether proper administrative approvals were secured for the expenditure.
- The nature of the official meetings scheduled during the trip to determine if they justified the use of state funds.
As the Solicitor General takes the helm of supervision, the focus remains on the CID’s forthcoming report, which will determine the legal trajectory of this high-profile case.