Ranil’s UK Trip for Wife’s PhD Sparks CID Probe

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has informed the court that a special investigation has been launched into a private overseas trip allegedly undertaken by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe using government funds.

According to the police, the details of the investigation were submitted to the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court through a B-report.

Investigations have revealed that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe traveled to the United Kingdom to attend his wife's PhD graduation ceremony.

According to police statements, the event was held at the University of Wolverhampton, and the former President participated in the ceremony. The trip reportedly took place on September 22 and 23, 2023.

Police further stated that approximately Rs. 16.9 million in government funds were spent on this visit. A group of ten individuals is said to have accompanied the former President on this trip.

It has also been revealed that Wickremesinghe was on an official visit to Cuba and the United States at the time, and traveled from the U.S. to the U.K. to undertake this private visit.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department has decided to obtain statements from two individuals, including a senior official from Wickremesinghe staff, in connection with the ongoing investigation into this foreign trip made during his presidency.

Police noted that these officials are currently overseas, and have requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take necessary steps to bring them back to Sri Lanka for questioning.