The ongoing legal saga against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, widely characterized as a political witch-hunt, faced sharp criticism today at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court. Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara strongly admonished the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for its failure to conduct a proper investigation into the allegations of misusing state funds.
Investigative Failure and Judicial Condemnation
It was revealed in court that investigative officers have failed to comply with a previous court order to inquire about the official invitation letter for the former President’s London visit from the relevant university in England. Instead of merely contacting the institution online, the officers had travelled to England but still neglected to obtain a statement from the university—a fact that the court highlighted as reflecting a deep-seated political agenda and a severe weakness in the investigation.
“It is problematic that investigations were carried out by travelling to England; a simple online inquiry could have been done, yet they failed to obtain a statement from the relevant university,” the Magistrate remarked in open court.
Sacrifice of Public Service: The Detention of Saman Ekanayake
A particularly distressing aspect of the case is the remand detention of former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake. The court proceedings underscored that assisting the President in his official duties falls under the responsibility of a Secretary, as per Article 41(1) of the Constitution. The incarceration of a senior officer, who is not alleged to have misused a single rupee for personal gain and had not even signed the expenditure reports, was seen as a grave warning to the entire state service.
The current administration’s actions are perceived to be paving the way for a future where no public official can perform their duties independently, with even the signing of routine ‘General 35’ vouchers becoming a path to imprisonment.
Evidence Vindicates Ranil Wickremesinghe
Despite the government’s attempts to tarnish his reputation, substantial evidence confirming Ranil Wickremesinghe’s London trip as a full-fledged diplomatic visit has already surfaced:
- The official invitation letter for the event.
- The souvenir card and menu for the luncheon.
- Reports from the UK Metropolitan Police confirming the provision of vehicle security.
The government is dragging out this case, with the sole intention of imprisoning the former President, despite all these documents being in the possession of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Arbitrary Conduct of the Attorney General’s Department
A heated exchange in court between Additional Solicitor General Dilipa Peiris, appearing for the Attorney General, and counsel Tilak Marapana, representing the defense, sparked significant controversy. Mr. Peiris’s assertion that he was the Attorney General drew laughter from the court, reminiscent of past controversial episodes.
