By The Pulseline News Desk
The case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW) over the alleged misuse of more than Rs. 16.6 million in public funds will return to the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on November 11, with the next step now depending on the Attorney General’s advice.
Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena has made the order today (30) after the case, filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was taken up in the presence of both Wickremesinghe and former Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake.
The proceedings centre on allegations that public funds were improperly used in connection with Wickremesinghe’s visit to the United Kingdom in 2023 to attend his wife’s graduation ceremony.
The allegations have been filed under the Public Property Act against the former President and the former Presidential Secretary.
The CID had previously informed court that its investigation into the allegations had been completed. The investigation files and relevant documents were subsequently submitted to the Attorney General for advice on the appropriate legal action.
With the investigative phase now completed, the November 11 hearing is expected to provide an indication of how the case will proceed based on the Attorney General’s determination.
Wickremesinghe arrived at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court earlier today to appear in connection with the proceedings, while Ekanayake was also present before court.
The case has attracted attention because it involves allegations concerning the use of State funds by a former Head of State for an overseas trip linked to a family event. However, the allegations remain matters before court, and no finding of guilt has been made against either Wickremesinghe or Ekanayake.
For now, the case remains at a procedural crossroads, the CID says its investigation is complete, while the court has given the Attorney General time to consider the investigation material and advise on the way forward.
The matter will therefore return to court on November 11, when the Attorney General’s advice is expected to be placed before the Magistrate.
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