CID Records Statement from Maithree Wickremesinghe in Public Funds Probe

The Fort Magistrate's Court, on April 29, ordered authorities to either file charges or release former President Ranil Wickremesinghe before the next court date. Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed the court that indictments against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake are expected to be filed on July 8. Peeris also reiterated that the prosecution is still studying whether to name Maithree Wickremesinghe as a suspect in the case.

The Fort Magistrate's Court has directed the Attorney General to proceed without delay in filing indictments in the High Court against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake. This directive was issued on April 29, with the court citing sufficient evidence in connection with allegations of misusing LKR 16.6 million in public funds for a private foreign trip.

On April 29, the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to submit a progress report on the investigation by July 8. Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peeris informed the court that indictments against the suspects, including former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, would be filed before the next hearing date. Peeris also stated that the prosecution is considering naming Maithree Wickremesinghe as a suspect in the case. The Magistrate further instructed the CID to expeditiously conclude investigations. Meanwhile, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe did not appear in court, with his lawyer, President's Counsel Tilak Marapana, stating he was unable to attend due to illness.