By: Isuru Parakrama
May 16, Colombo (LNW): Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in a letter dated May 16, 2025 has raised concerns with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) regarding delays in an ongoing investigation and alleged constitutional violations.
Addressed to the Commission’s Chairman, the letter references notices issued under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023, demanding the Wickremesinghe’s appearance for a statement linked to a probe involving MP Chamara Sampath Dissanayake.
The investigation stems from a complaint by Sampath, who alleged that his privileges were violated by a statement from Minister Samantha Vaidyaratne. On April 10, 2025, Dissanayake’s spouse consulted the President, prompting further inquiries.
The following day, the CIABOC’s Deputy Director General, C. Asitha Anthony, requested a statement from the President, a directive later reiterated by the President’s legal counsel, Ronald Perera PC, on April 17, 2025.
However, the ex-President noted his counsel’s absence from the country until April 27, 2025, leading to a rescheduling request for 25 April 2025.
Wickremesinghe also highlighted a public statement by President Anura Dissanayake on April 11, 2025, confirming awareness of the letters sent to the CIABOC. He questioned the Director General’s conduct in sending these letters, alleging potential legal violations, and stated that his lawyers would follow up with the Commission.
In a separate statement on April 28, 2025, Wickremesinghe addressed media reports suggesting that the CIABOC’s submissions in court implied a rejection of Sampath’s bail application. He clarified that no such rejection or objection was recorded by the court.
Citing Articles 148, 149, and 150 of the Sri Lankan Constitution, he argued that funds held in a Fixed Deposit, allegedly linked to the case, violate constitutional provisions on public finance, as they were not authorised under the Consolidated Fund or a warrant by the Finance Minister.
He called for the funds to be withdrawn and allocated through the Provincial Budget, labelling the current arrangement a “restatement of the law” rather than lawful practice.
Wickremesinghe concluded by noting that his submissions to the CIABOC were being misrepresented in court and that he is consulting his lawyers on further action. He also attached a copy of his earlier letter to the CIABOC, seeking clarity on the investigation’s conduct.
