Ranil’s Overseas Trip Case To Heads to Higher Court

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is currently out on bail over allegations of using Rs. 16.6 million in public funds for a private overseas trip, will face trial in a higher court once investigations are completed within a month.

Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court of this, today.

He made this announcement during the hearing of a motion filed by former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, seeking permission to travel overseas.

The motion was taken up before the Magistrate this morning.

Appearing on behalf of Saman Ekanayake, President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa requested the court to temporarily lift the travel ban, stating that his client wished to visit his daughter abroad, who is preparing for childbirth.

However, Additional Solicitor General Peiris objected, noting that Ekanayake is a key figure in the case, having approved funds for Wickremesinghe’s controversial trip.

He further revealed that investigations are 99% complete and that the prosecution intends to file indictments in a higher court based on findings.

Peiris also informed the court that inquiries are ongoing regarding an invitation letter submitted to the court, allegedly issued by the University of Wolverhampton, which Wickremesinghe cited as the reason for his foreign visit.

Following these submissions, Indatissa withdrew the request for overseas travel, considering the court’s observations and the prosecution’s stance.

The case was postponed to January 28.