I am unwell, I cannot come to FCID - If you wish, come home and take my statement - Maithree Wickremesinghe

Mrs. Maithree Wickremesinghe, wife of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, has officially informed the relevant authorities that she will not be able to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department today (20).

She had previously been informed to appear before the said division today to give a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation to ascertain whether any financial crime had occurred during a controversial visit to Britain by the former President. The Criminal Investigation Department also reported this summons to the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court on the 18th.

However, she has informed that she is unable to appear there today due to health issues. Internal sources further reveal that Mrs. Maithree Wickremesinghe has formally requested the Criminal Investigation Department to visit her residence to record her statement related to this investigation, as she is currently receiving treatment at home based on medical advice.

In connection with this incident, former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake was recently released on bail after being remanded. Ranil Wickremesinghe, his wife, and a group traveled to Britain in September 2023 for a private trip for Mrs. Maithree Wickremesinghe's postgraduate convocation. The former President participated in this trip to attend a ceremony at the University of Wolverhampton for the conferment of an honorary professorship. 

According to reports, the group of 10 who participated in this trip included former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, his wife Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe, Chief Liaison Officer Senarath Dissanayake, Presidential Private Secretary Sandra Perera, Presidential Medical Officer Dr. D.M.B.S. Wijayapala, Presidential Personal Security Officer Chief Police Inspector Ashoka Ariyawansa, Police Constable B.M.A.N.S. Ariyaratne of the Presidential Security Division, Liaison Officer A.T. Kosala Perera, Assistant Superintendent of Police P.N. Guruge of the Presidential Security Division, and Chief Police Inspector I.M.T.R. Delgoda of the Presidential Security Division. It is alleged that this incurred a loss of 16.2 million Sri Lankan Rupees in government funds.

 In addition to the London trip, it has also been revealed that President Ranil undertook a private trip to Singapore in May 2023, bearing state expenses. His wife Maithree also participated in that trip.