Erik Solheim urges immediate release of Ranil Wickremesinghe

Former Norwegian peace envoy to Sri Lanka, Erik Solheim, has called for the urgent release of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, citing concerns over his health while in detention.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Solheim said he joins “leaders in Sri Lanka, South Asia and around the world” in demanding Wickremesinghe’s immediate release. He described Wickremesinghe as the leader who “stood up to save Sri Lanka” during the 2022 economic and political crisis.

Solheim dismissed the allegations against Wickremesinghe as “without merit,” adding that even if true, they would not amount to any criminal or unacceptable conduct in Europe.

While expressing support for Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption campaign, the former envoy urged authorities to “focus on real issues” rather than pursuing charges against Wickremesinghe.