January 05, Colombo (LNW): The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has been directed to provide updated information on follow-up inquiries carried out by a team that travelled to the United Kingdom as part of an investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds connected to a foreign visit by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Media reports indicate that the Attorney General has requested the CID to submit relevant findings and extracts from the additional investigations undertaken in the UK, relating to allegations that state funds amounting to Rs. 16.6 million were improperly spent during the overseas tour in question. The request was conveyed through a formal letter issued to the CID Director and signed by Deputy Solicitor General Wasantha Perera.
It has also been noted that the Attorney General had earlier informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court of plans to seek the cooperation of British authorities through Mutual Legal Assistance, in line with the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act.
In his correspondence, the Attorney General has reportedly expressed concern that the officer leading the investigation failed to report to the AG’s Department despite being instructed to assist with the preparation of required documentation. The letter further highlights that the CID delegation proceeded to London without securing prior Mutual Legal Assistance approval from the UK, a procedural issue now under scrutiny as the investigation continues.
