A deepening divide within the Attorney General’s Department over Wolverhampton University’s response has stalled a high-profile investigation into former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, raising fresh questions about accountability, legal interpretation, and the handling of public funds.
A growing internal disagreement within Sri Lanka’s Attorney General’s Department has brought a high-profile legal investigation involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to a standstill, exposing divisions over how to interpret key evidence linked to his 2023 visit to the United Kingdom.
According to a report published by the Sunday Times, two contrasting legal opinions have emerged within the Attorney General’s Department regarding the official response provided by the University of Wolverhampton to the Criminal Investigation Department. This response relates directly to the ongoing CID investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to Britain.
At the center of the controversy is an allegation that more than Rs. 16.6 million in government funds may have been misused in connection with the former President’s trip. The visit was made to attend a graduation ceremony at which Professor Maithri Wickremesinghe was conferred with an honorary professorship, making the issue both politically sensitive and legally complex.
As previously revealed, the University of Wolverhampton had communicated to the Criminal Investigation Department via email that it had formally invited the former President to attend the ceremony. This communication has now become a critical piece of evidence in determining whether the visit constituted an official engagement or an unnecessary expenditure of public funds.
However, the interpretation of this response has triggered a clear division within the Attorney General’s Department. One group of legal officials has aligned itself with the position taken by the CID, arguing that the university’s response is insufficient and does not adequately justify the use of state resources for the visit.
In contrast, another faction within the department has taken a more accepting view, suggesting that the university’s confirmation of the invitation provides a reasonable basis to consider the visit legitimate. This split in legal opinion has complicated the decision-making process and delayed further action in the case.
The Sunday Times report further indicates that the Attorney General’s Department is continuing to examine the matter in greater detail before reaching a final conclusion. The next legal steps, including whether to proceed with charges or withdraw them, will depend on the outcome of this ongoing review.
As a direct result of this internal disagreement, the case has not progressed as expected. A decision on whether to file or dismiss charges in court remains pending, and several key procedural elements are still incomplete.
Among these pending issues are the Government Analyst’s reports on handwriting samples related to former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, which have not yet been submitted. These reports are considered important in verifying documentary evidence connected to the case.
Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, who is overseeing the legal proceedings, has reportedly instructed the Criminal Investigation Department to expedite the collection of all outstanding reports. He has also directed that a formal statement be recorded from Professor Maithri Wickremesinghe as part of the evidence gathering process.
The case is currently scheduled to be taken up again before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on April 28, where further developments are expected depending on the progress made in resolving the outstanding legal and evidentiary issues.
