CID failed to record statements from University of Wolverhampton officials: Lawyers allege

By Yohan Perera 

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) team that visited the United Kingdom to probe the authenticity of an invitation received by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe failed to record statements from officials of the University of Wolverhampton, lawyers representing the former President alleged yesterday. 

Attorney-at-Law Kumar Dunasinghe told a media briefing held at the office of former President Wickremesinghe at Flower Road, Colombo 07, that the CID team had only recorded statements from officials attached to the Sri Lankan High Commission in London.  “The CID team has recorded statements only from officials of the Sri Lankan High Commission. They have also recorded a statement from former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK, Saroja Sirisena. However, no statements have been recorded from anyone affiliated with the University of Wolverhampton,” Dunasinghe said. 

He added that the legal team would soon submit evidence to court to substantiate their claims. Responding to questions regarding the case involving former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Dunasinghe rejected allegations that Ekanayake had absconded. He stated that bail was denied because Ekanayake failed to present exceptional circumstances justifying his release from detention. 

Attorney-at-Law Dinesh Vidanapathirana, who is also part of Wickremesinghe’s legal team, expressed concern over the impact of social media commentary on the former President. “Certain social media posts are adversely affecting Mr Wickremesinghe. Such content could undermine the application of the principles of natural justice,” he said. 

The attorneys further alleged that the case against Wickremesinghe has been politicised, noting that the institution conducting the investigation into his UK visit is headed by Shani Abeysekera, who had campaigned for the National People’s Power (NPP) during the 2024 Presidential and General Elections.