The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on today (29) directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to submit a progress report by July 8 on an ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake.
Appearing on behalf of the complainant, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed court that indictments against the suspects are expected to be filed before the next hearing date. He further revealed that authorities are considering naming Maithree Wickremesinghe, the former President’s wife, as a suspect in the case.
The allegations stem from claims that approximately Rs. 16.9 million in state funds were misused to facilitate the former President’s attendance at his wife’s graduation ceremony in London during an official overseas visit in late 2023. The trip, which included engagements in both the United States and the United Kingdom, was reportedly undertaken with a government-funded delegation.
In a dramatic development last year, Wickremesinghe was arrested by the CID on August 22, 2025, marking an unprecedented moment in Sri Lanka’s political history as he became the first former head of state to be remanded in custody. He was held until August 26 before being released on three personal bail bonds of Rs. 5 million each, following the submission of medical reports.
At Wednesday’s hearing, President’s Counsel Tilak Marapana, appearing for Wickremesinghe, told court that his client was unable to attend proceedings due to ill health. Medical documentation was submitted to support the claim.
The case continues to draw significant public and political attention, as it raises broader questions about accountability and the use of state resources by high-ranking officials. The July 8 court date is expected to be a key milestone, with prosecutors indicating that formal charges may soon follow.
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