The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has been requested to submit information on further investigations conducted by a CID Team that travelled to the United Kingdom (UK) to probe the misuse of state funds linked to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in connection with an overseas tour during his presidency.

According to the Sunday Times, the Attorney General informed the CID to submit extracts of further investigations conducted by a CID team which travelled to the UK as part of the probe into the alleged misappropriation of Rs. 16.6 million by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

It is reported that the Attorney General had made a written request to the CID’s Director through a letter signed by Deputy Solicitor General Wasantha Perera.

The AG had previously informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that he intends to make a request to UK authorities for Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) under the provisions of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act.

In his letter, the Attorney General notes that despite the officer in charge of the investigation being informed to report to the AG’s Department to assist in the compilation of documents, he had not done so.

The letter also points out that the CID team had travelled to London without obtaining a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) from the UK authorities. (Newswire)

The post AG requests CID report on Ranil investigation appeared first on Newswire.

The corruption case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the first Executive President of Sri Lanka to be arrested and remanded, is scheduled to be taken up at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (Oct. 29).

Wickremesinghe was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in August 2025 over the alleged misuse of approximately Rs. 16.9 million in public funds during an official visit to the United Kingdom in late 2023.

The trip was part of a broader visit to the United States, and he was reportedly accompanied by a delegation funded by the Sri Lankan government.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura initially ordered that the former President be remanded until Aug. 26, a historic first for a Sri Lankan head of state.

Following his remand, however Wickremesinghe was transferred from the Prison Hospital to the Colombo National Hospital and later admitted to the ICU due to deteriorating health.

At a subsequent hearing, Wickremesinghe appeared via Zoom from the hospital. The court granted bail, releasing him on three sureties of Rs. 5 million each. (Newswire)

The post Ex-President Ranil faces court again over Rs. 16.9 Mn misuse case appeared first on Newswire.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya challenged a media network which aired a news story claiming that she secretly visited former president Ranil Wickremesinghe in hospital.

Addressing a media briefing, the Prime Minister urged the network to present evidence of her alleged visit.

“If I went to the hospital, there should be some evidence which this news story was based on. News stories can’t be created from the sky,” she said.

The Prime Minsiter was referring to a report published by Hiru News, which claimed that Amarasuriya had visited the hospital along with the former First Lady Maithri Wickremesinghe.

“If I went, did someone see me, is there a photograph? As Prime Minister I can’t go to just any place as I wish. Therefore I can’t go to any place secretly. So now, prove that I visited the hospital.”

Inquiring if the channel in concern was present at the media briefing, the Prime Minister challenged the network to prove their story.

“I challenge you to prove that I visited the hospital. If so, it will be proven that I lied, which will solve the problem,” Amarasuriya said.

Although the channel had published a statement from the Premier’s office denying the statement, the original story remains accessible on the website. (Newswire)

The post PM Harini challenges news channel to prove she visited Ranil in hospital appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested Friday on corruption charges following an investigation into his travel to the United Kingdom in September 2023, Police officials confirmed, revealing what they said was limited information in an ongoing investigation.

Deputy Inspector General Kalinga Jayasinghe said investigators found that Wickremesinghe’s two-day trip to London, on Sept. 22 and 23, 2023, was initially recorded as a private visit despite being financed with state funds.

The delegation included Wickremesinghe, his wife, Prof. Maithree Wickremesinghe, his private secretary Sandra Perera, two foreign ministry officials, Wickremesinghe’s personal doctor and four members of the Presidential Security Division.

The president’s office and the foreign ministry corresponded with the Sri Lankan High Commission in London to facilitate the visit, Police said. Although there are records of the official engagements in Cuba and the United States, the U.K program itinerary listed no official engagements.

According to police, Sri Lanka’s High Commission in the U.K billed Sri Lanka £40,445 (about Rs. 16,207,573) for travel, accommodation, vehicle rental and other expenses for Wickremesinghe, the first lady and the private secretary. DIG Jayasinghe noted that this figure did not include airfare, as it was a trip made while the former president was on official state business.

An additional 3.2 million rupees was spent on the doctor and security officers, according to records from the president’s office.

The investigation was launched on May 23, 2025, after the presidential secretary requested the Inspector General of Police to probe the matter, following an internal inquiry, Police said. (Newswire)

The post Ranil’s case : Police reveal 10 persons travelled in UK appeared first on Newswire.

The All-Ceylon Scouts Movement, founded by the late Dr. W. Champika Lowe, began its Scout Service and Public Relations Month today (July 23).

At the official launch ceremony, President Ranil Wickremesinghe was presented with the organization’s official scarf by co-chairperson Chamodika Lowe.

The event marked the formal commencement of the month-long program.

Former Minister Vajira Abeywardena, co-chairperson Navodaya Lowe, Chief Commissioner Dr. W.L. Tissera, and National Training Commissioner Vajira Amadoru were among those in attendance. (Newswire)

The post Ranil launches Scouts’ Service Month appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka must remind the United States of its obligations as a member of the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) during the ongoing tariff negotiations between the two countries.

“We have never told the US, who is a member of the OCC. US has signed on to the EFF and their time limits. They must help us now, otherwise they are in breach of the agreement,” he said.

“They’re preventing us to repay the bond holders, and we must now tell the bond holders to go to the US and get the money,” he added.

The OCC comprises countries with eligible claims on Sri Lanka, including the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Wickremesinghe made the remarks at the launch of a book by former presidential economic advisor Sarath Rajapathirana, which explores policy challenges facing Sri Lanka.

He added that Sri Lanka has lagged in globalisation due to an anti-trade stance and politically motivated opposition campaigns. (Newswire)

The post US must uphold OCC role in Sri Lanka tariff negotiations : Ranil appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has criticized the recent G7 communiqué justifying Israel’s attack on Iran as self-defence, asserting the strike occurred during ongoing US-Iran negotiations and should be rejected.

Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club roundtable in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Wickremesinghe described the current global context as the dismantling of the existing global order and the rise of a multipolar world.

Wickremesinghe said that alongside the power blocs in Asia, Africa, Eurasia and Latin America, alternative power structures are emerging in the form of non-state actors, military actors and even the multilateral organisations such as the IMF. These influential forces are responsible for shaping the global order.

Delivering his remarks at the conference, the former President stated that the Indo-Pacific was a result of the absence of a clear boundary of the Pacific. It was created with the purpose of dealing with the Taiwan crisis, an issue the Indian Ocean has no wish to get involved in, as it is accepted that Taiwan is a part of China. (Newswire)

The post Ranil in Russia : G7 communiqué justifying Israel should be rejected appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Wednesday, June 11, in connection with a complaint regarding drug imports.

The CID summoned Wickremesinghe to record a statement related to a complaint filed over the import of pharmaceuticals.

Wickremesinghe’s appearance relates to collective Cabinet responsibility during his tenure as President. (Newswire)

The post Ranil to appear before CID on Wednesday appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe says all renewable energy proposals approved during his administration were subjected to a thorough evaluation process and were not influenced by financial or political interests.

Speaking on the 2023-2024 renewable energy project approvals, Wickremesinghe said several proposals were given the green light to attract much-needed foreign investment into Sri Lanka’s energy sector. “We approved around USD 2 to 2.5 billion worth of projects, following proper evaluations and pricing by project-specific committees,” he said.

He clarified the processes followed with both the Adani Group and Hayleys, highlighting that committees were appointed by the Finance Ministry and Cabinet to review each proposal before approval. “Final prices were decided based on reports by these committees. We ensured all decisions were made through official channels,” he added.

Commenting on environmental and infrastructure factors, Wickremesinghe pointed out that the Hayleys project underwent a government-led study on migratory birds in Mannar, while Adani had to fund their own. Land for the Hayleys project was provided through the CEB, whereas Adani had to purchase the land.

“All preliminary studies, feasibility assessments, and licensing costs were handled differently for each project depending on their specific circumstances,” he said, noting that Adani was required to fund several of these processes independently.

Dismissing allegations that monetary influence drove these projects, Wickremesinghe stated, “If someone claims money was taken, they must also name who gave the money. Is it being suggested that Adani paid bribes? Are we saying Adani violated laws in Sri Lanka or India?”

He also urged that such issues should not be politicized during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka, warning that unfounded allegations could harm diplomatic ties.

“We should focus on completing these projects and strengthening Sri Lanka–India relations in line with the joint statements issued in 2023 and 2024,” he said.

Wickremesinghe reaffirmed that the government will continue to work with India on energy cooperation, and stressed that any decision to halt projects must be backed by valid reasons.

Wickremesinghe was referring to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s stance that his government will not proceed with the power purchase agreement for the Mannar wind power plant unless the company agrees to the government’s proposed price.

Dissanayake said that the previous government had agreed to a rate of US$ 8.26 cents per unit, while the current agreement with a different company secured a deal at US$ 4.57 cents per unit—a difference that translates to Rs. 25 per unit instead of Rs. 13.

“We will never proceed until they agree to our price, irrespective of whatever agreement was signed,” President Dissanayake asserted. (Newswire)

The post Adani project : Ranil warns Govt ahead of Modi visit appeared first on Newswire.

Leader of Sarvajana Balaya and Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera accused the government of using loopholes in the law to deceive the public.

“The public are waiting to see if the President will arrest former President Ranil Wickremsinghe, Basil Rajapaksa or Namal Rajapaksa. Instead the government is moving to apprehend politicians of their own economic background,” he said addressing a media briefing.

“Were the public waiting for Chamara Sampath to be arrested? People are waiting for Ranil Wickremsinghe to be arrested!” Jayaweera said.

“Will he be arrested? That is our question. They will not even touch Haamu Mahaththaya” Jayaweera said referring to Wickrmesinghe.

Responding to questions about the sentencing of S. M. Ranjith, a member of the Sarvajana Balaya on corruption charges, Jayaweera said that his party bears no responsibility to this incident.

“We regret this incident. But we take no responsibility for it,” he said.

“As far as I know, this case was filed during the Yahapalana government,” Jayaweera said, adding that both the rule of law and the effectiveness of law enforcement had deteriorated during that period. (Newswire)

The post Ranil Haamu Mahaththaya won’t be arrested : Dilith appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called on the Sri Lankan government to provide humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.

Wickremesinghe’s comments come after two powerful earthquakes devastated central Myanmar on Friday, disrupting health services and putting thousands at risk of life-threatening injuries and disease outbreaks.

Issuing a statement, Wickremesinghe highlighted the historic and religious ties between the two countries, particularly through Theravada Buddhism. He noted that the Amarapura and Ramanna sects have strong links with Myanmar.

Referring to Sri Lanka’s response to the 2015 Nepal earthquake, Wickremesinghe said the country sent a military team for emergency operations and was the second-largest aid contributor after India.

“Sri Lanka must act. My proposal is to deploy members of the military’s medical corps to establish a temporary hospital in Myanmar,” he said, adding that the Sri Lanka could also send medical supplies if needed.

Wickremesinghe also cited historical support from Myanmar during the Chola invasions, recalling that King Anawrahta of Bagan had sent aid to King Vijayabahu of Sri Lanka. “If these areas with historic links to Sri Lanka are in need of assistance, we must look into these too,” Wickremesinghe said. 

He urged the government to take similar action as during his tenure, when funds were raised to support Gaza. (Newswire)

The post Help Myanmar, Ranil urges Govt appeared first on Newswire.

A leading Sri Lankan monk says former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was advised not to import fuel ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election.

Ven. Dodampahala Rahula Thera made the remarks while addressing the media yesterday (24 Mar).

“We told the President not to open letters of credit (LC) to import fuel at the time. However, he said it was essential to open LCs for three months to import sufficient fuel for 06 months,” Ven. Rahula Thera revealed.

Ven. Dodampahala Rahula Thera said that Wickremesinghe was not open to the suggestion at the time, and had assured no decision would be taken to negatively affect the public.

The monk made these comments during a religious event to bless the former President on the occasion of his birthday, with the participation of several UNP and SJB members.

Ven. Rahula Thera also said that temples have been left without politicians. “Who will we call today? For every funeral or wedding, politicians are required. That is the culture of this country,” the Thera said, adding that former President Wickremesinghe has always worked to protect the foremost position afforded to Buddhism in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

The post Top monk says he advised President Ranil not to open LCs for fuel in 2024 appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called on Sri Lanka to adopt an ambitious target of achieving a US $1 trillion-dollar economy by 2055.

Speaking during a recent television interview, the former President outlined the fact that the world was witnessing a global power shift towards Asia, with a focus on the Indian Ocean, and as such Sri Lanka must look to capitalise on this.

Commenting on Sri Lanka adopting this ambitious target, the former President stated that to achieve this target the country would need to record a ten-fold growth in its economy over the next 30 years. However, the possibility of doing so remains high, as this is a similar target that India has set for itself in the same period.

The Former President further stated that for Sri Lanka’s economy to move beyond its current fragile state, integration and cooperation with the Indian economy must be a priority. He explained that during his tenure in 2022-24, the country explored several avenues of economic cooperation with India including in the fields of renewable energy, agriculture and connectivity with an emphasis on Southern India.

Former President Wickremesinghe criticised the government’s failure to proceed with the Adani Group’s renewable energy project in Mannar. Highlighting the process undertaken by the Sri Lankan government, including the relevant stakeholders, and the Indian investors, he questioned the rationale behind the NPP government’s attempts to re-negotiate an already agreed-upon project.

Raising concerns that this would deter any future large-scale investment projects, the former President urged the government to continue with the policies introduced by his government.

When questioned over whether the IMF program was the only option for Sri Lanka, President Wickremesinghe highlighted that the ability to successfully restructure the debt with the international bondholders and bilateral creditors was reliant on an IMF certification.

Acknowledging that the citizens were still reeling from the economic crisis, the President stated that unless the program was completed further hardship awaited the country down the line. (Newswire)

The post Ranil calls for Sri Lanka to adopt US $1 trillion-dollar economy by 2055 appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has denied allegations that he used state funds for a personal trip to London in 2023, accompanied by his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe.

In a statement, the former President’s office clarified that Wickremesinghe visited London on three separate occasions in 2023.

His first visit was on May 9, 2023, to attend the coronation of King Charles III. The second visit was for the 40th anniversary celebrations of the International Democracy Union (IDU) in London.

Following his participation in the G77 Summit in Havana and the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Wickremesinghe traveled to London for a third time.

During this visit, he attended an event at Wolverhampton University in the UK, where Mrs. Wickremesinghe was conferred with the title of Professor. The statement noted that the former President attended this event after his engagements in New York.

The former President also met with several world leaders during these visits, while Mrs. Wickremesinghe participated in diplomatic meetings in her capacity as First Lady.

Although he initially planned to return to Sri Lanka, Wickremesinghe extended his stay in London by a day to accommodate additional meetings, according to the statement.

“It is questionable why claims are being made about excessive spending on this visit. It is evident that the current government does not fully understand the nature of diplomatic travel,” the statement said, reiterating that Wickremesinghe did not undertake any private visits to London in 2023.

The allegations, it added, are “completely false.” (Newswire)

The post Ranil responds to London ‘Private Trip’ allegation appeared first on Newswire.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has informed Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura that an investigation has been launched into a letter allegedly bearing the signature of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, which was sent to security agencies.

The letter reported to have contained a special directive allowing a smuggler operating in the Southern Province to continue illegal activities. It was allegedly addressed to former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne, the then-Defence Secretary, and the Presidential Secretary. The CID is probing whether the letter is genuine or forged, it was reported.

The document was reportedly sent via the Matara Post Office, and former IGP Wickramaratne has also ordered an internal probe into the matter.

The Magistrate has instructed investigators to determine the authenticity of the letter and submit a report to the court. (Newswire)

The post Fake or not : CID inquiry over alleged letter by Ranil appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has engaged in a discussion with the Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli.

According to Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office, the meeting took place in Kathmandu this morning. 

This was a courtesy visit by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is on a personal trip to Nepal. (Newswire)

The post Ranil meets Nepal Prime Minister appeared first on Newswire.

The post Sri Lanka Presidential Election Results 1982-2019 appeared first on Newswire.