By Adolf
Serious questions have emerged regarding expenses and investigative procedures linked to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to the United Kingdom, during which he attended his wife’s graduation ceremony. The case, involving allegations of misuse of Rs. 16.6 million in public funds, is scheduled to be recalled before the Fort Magistrate’s Court on January 28.
Bail
Mr. Wickremesinghe was granted bail on August 26 after being produced before court in connection with the matter. During proceedings, the court noted that certain documents related to the visit, including confirmation from the University of Wolverhampton, could be verified subsequently. The timing of the university confirmation became a point of discussion, as UK offices had reopened only on the Tuesday following a weekend and a public holiday. Court records indicate that a certified letter from the university was issued shortly after the offices reopened, although bail had already been granted.
Payments by Saroja Under Scrutiny
A key focus of the case involves payments made to the third-party company Sky Wings Limited in connection with the UK visit. Court filings show that expenses paid to the company included vehicle rentals, hotel accommodation, food and beverages, and guest terminal services. Reported figures include vehicle rentals exceeding £14,000 and hotel bookings of nearly £9,000. These expenditures have raised questions about their necessity and utilisation, especially given that official overseas visits by heads of state are typically managed through embassy protocol officers and administrative staff. Court proceedings also noted that the British government provided official transport and security for the former President and the First Lady.
Vehicle Usage Questions
Questions remain regarding who used the hired vehicles, particularly as only one Sri Lankan vehicle was available at the embassy and some officials reportedly shared transport. It has not been publicly clarified whether all paid-for services were fully utilised or if any payments were made for unused facilities. Further questions concern the status of individuals associated with the trip and whether any travel was later described as private, and if so, why funds were sought from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo.
Attorney General Flags Procedural Issues
Beyond expenditure concerns, the Attorney General’s Department has raised questions about how aspects of the investigation were conducted. In court submissions, the Department noted that official information from the UK should have been obtained through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) procedures, which are required for formal cooperation with foreign authorities. Correspondence disclosed in court indicates that investigators were advised to coordinate with the Attorney General’s Department when preparing MLA requests. However, the Department stated that this coordination did not occur. It also emerged that officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) travelled to the UK before formal MLA approval was obtained. While the Attorney General’s Department acknowledged the professionalism of CID officers, it stressed that established procedural safeguards must be followed, especially in investigations involving international cooperation.
Next Court Date
There have been unconfirmed reports of possible changes within the prosecution team, though no official confirmation has been issued. The case is set to be recalled before the Fort Magistrate’s Court on January 28, where further clarifications are expected on expenditure, documentation, and investigative procedures. The proceedings have drawn attention not only to questions of public finance but also to the importance of adhering to established legal processes in high-profile cases involving foreign jurisdictions. As the saying goes, what goes around comes around—often in double doses. Something President AKD should be mindful of if it turns out to be a political vendetta.
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