Ranil to appear before CID today

Wickremesinghe had received a call from the CID on Tuesday and the former President had informed them through his lawyers that he would appear on Friday

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will appear before the CID today to record a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation into an overseas trip allegedly funded by state money while he was the Executive President.   

Sources said that investigations focus on a trip he made to the United Kingdom to attend a university graduation ceremony in London but it is alleged that this was a personal visit using state funds.    

The total amount of state funds used has been estimated approximately at Rs.17 million while 10 people had accompanied him.   

Sources said that Wickremesinghe had received a call from the CID on Tuesday and the former President had informed them through his lawyers that he would appear on Friday.   

It is expected that the CID will submit Wickremesinghe’s statement recorded today to the AG’s Department for further action.   

Rumors were rife yesterday that the former President is likely to be arrested today, but this was shot down last evening with sources claiming that he is likely to leave the CID with his lawyers after recording the statement.