Scholars Rally Behind Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe Amid CID Inquiry

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group of academics has issued a statement urging authorities to ensure that, during ongoing investigative procedures, Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe is not subjected to any unnecessary harassment, intimidation, or damage to her reputation.

They have placed their signatures on this collective statement of solidarity in support of Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe, the wife of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

It was revealed in court that Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe had recently been notified by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) of the CID to provide a statement regarding the ongoing case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe over the alleged use of public funds to attend an event at the University of Wolverhampton.

The joint statement issued on behalf of Professor Wickramasinghe emphasized that any investigation concerning matters of public accountability must be conducted transparently, fairly, and in strict adherence to due process.

However, the statement further notes that the current process appears to be gradually shifting towards procedural actions centered around her husband, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The signatories call on authorities to guarantee that the investigative process does not expose individuals such as Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe to undue harassment, intimidation, or reputational harm.

They also highlight that protecting scholars from political retaliation is an essential feature of a democratic society, and that the professional independence, dignity, and service record of Professor Wickramasinghe must be safeguarded.

Over 50 individuals, including women’s rights activists, legal experts, journalists, and former members of parliament, have signed the statement in support of Professor Wickramasinghe.

The signatories include

Radhika Coomaraswamy
Dr. Nimalka Fernando
Dr. Subhangi Herath
Dr. Renuka Pathirana
G.U.S. Gunawardena
D. Munasinghe
Pushpa Ramlini Ratnayake
Saroja Srivachandran
Sri Serene Xavier
Vishaka Dharmadasa
Vidya Perera
Nirmali Wickramasinghe
Savithri Rodrigo
Shiyana Perera
Udayangani Daluwaatta
Jeewani Kariyawasam
Kumuduni Samuel
Sareena Raheem
Suhara Azeez, and
former MP Ferial Ashraff.