RW denies allegation on lavish spending for his tours to London

By Yohan Perera  

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday denied that he had spent lavishly on tours to the UK using state funds in 2023.   

Mr. Wickremesinghe said in a statement that those in the present government who make allegations against him do not have any knowledge on state visits and diplomacy. 

Following is the statement issued by his office.   

The allegation that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his spouse Maithree Wickremesinghe went on three tours to London using state funds is false.   

Mr. Wickremesinge visited London three times in 2023. His first tour was to attend the Coronation of King Charles III on May 9, 2023. His second tour was to attend the conference of International Democratic Union (IDU) after his tour after attending the G77 summit in Havana. The ceremony to confer the title of Professor on Ms. Maithree Wickremesinghe by the University of Wolverhampton, London took place during the same period. He joined Ms. Wickremesinghe from his tour to New York. During this tour, the former President met several heads of state. Ms. Wickremesinghe also participated in few meetings. There are issues pertaining to Mr. Wickremesinghe’s tours to London. It is clear that the present government does not have an understanding on statesmanship and foreign relations. The former President has not engaged in any personal tours in 2023.