Police defends overseas investigation
The three-member Criminal Investigation Department (CID) team that travelled to London last week has stepped up its probe into the alleged misuse of Rs. 16.6 million in public funds during a two-day visit by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to the UK for an event at the University of Wolverhampton, The Sunday Morning reliably learns.
According to sources, the Police Department considers the mission productive, as the officers have uncovered several significant findings related to the incident.
The CID’s London visit came under the spotlight last Friday (21) after the matter gained traction during the common Opposition rally in Nugegoda, where MP Chamara Sampath Dasanayake accused the investigators of spending twice the amount that Wickremesinghe had spent during the original trip.
Questions also arose during the week over the CID’s failure to notify the Attorney General’s (AG) Department about the overseas investigation.
Responding to these concerns, a senior Police source told The Sunday Morning that the CID was under no legal obligation to inform the AG’s Department or obtain its approval when carrying out independent investigations into allegations involving the former President.
“We have informed the higher authorities within the Police Department and obtained the required internal approvals. The department has adequate funds for investigations deemed necessary by the CID,” the official emphasised.
However, The Sunday Morning learns that while no legal requirement exists to notify the AG’s Department about the London visit, it is generally advisable for investigating teams travelling to foreign jurisdictions to obtain legal guidance beforehand – particularly given that the AG’s Department handles legal proceedings and manages the relevant court matters.
“The team is still in London and the investigation is ongoing. They are updating us regularly on their progress,” the senior source said.
Citing past cases such as the inquiry into the controversial death of rugby player Wasim Thajudeen and a separate investigative visit to Canada to verify certain evidence, the official added: “This is not the first occasion where a team has travelled overseas for an investigation. We have the authority to visit any location necessary for investigative purposes.”
It is also reported that the CID officers have recorded statements from three former members of the Sri Lankan High Commission in London: Saroja Sirisena, Aruna Fernando, and Krishantha Subasinghe. All three have remained in the UK even after the completion of their diplomatic tenures. Additionally, the CID obtained a statement from Manorie Mallikaratchy, who served as Deputy High Commissioner during former President Maithripala Sirisena’s tenure and continues to hold the same position.
A reliable source at the AG’s Department reiterated that although the Police Department was not legally bound to inform them, the AG’s Office remained involved in the broader legal aspects of the case.
Meanwhile, when contacted, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler stated that he was awaiting a detailed report from the CID on the investigation team’s travel expenses, adding that the report had not been submitted yet.
Former President Wickremesinghe is accused of misappropriating Rs. 16.6 million in public funds during what the CID has classified as a private two-day visit to London. He was arrested in August this year in connection with the case and was remanded briefly before being released on bail.
However, all attempts made to contact Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala and Secretary Ravi Seneviratne were futile.