- Calls for ‘fairness, transparency and due process’
A coalition of academics, journalists, feminist activists, and lawyers issued a statement yesterday (24) expressing concern over reports the former first lady, Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe has been summoned by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).
The summons is reportedly linked to an ongoing investigation involving her husband, former President, attorney Ranil Wickremesinghe, over the alleged misuse of public funds to attend a ceremony at the Wolverhampton University, England, where Prof. Wickramasinghe was awarded an honorary professorship. The statement emphasises the honour was awarded in recognition of the Chair and Senior Professor of English at the Kelaniya University and the founding Director of the said University’s Centre for Gender Studies, Prof. Wickramasinghe’s “extensive research, training, and policy work on gender equity and equality. This distinction was awarded on the basis of her independent academic achievements and long-standing professional contributions. With more than three decades of teaching and research experience, she has made nationally significant contributions to gender equality policy development, gender sensitisation training, and the evaluation of women’s and gender programmes within Sri Lanka and internationally. She has contributed extensively to academic editorial work, training, and institutional development. These achievements should be markers of national pride, not disregard and derision. Prof. Wickramasinghe is an independent scholar of recognised integrity and distinction”.
The coalition calls on the authorities to ensure that any investigative processes are conducted “fairly, transparently, and in strict adherence to the due process” and cautions against the “unwarranted harassment, intimidation, or reputational harm of independent academics.” The group stressed that academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the protection of scholars from political victimisation are “essential pillars of a democratic society.” The statement concludes by urging that Prof. Wickramasinghe’s professional independence, dignity, and record of service be respected at all times.
A total of 85 academics, journalists, feminist activists and lawyers have given consent to include their names in releasing the statement.
Prof. Wickramasinghe was notified to appear before the FCID on 20 February. However, it has been reported that she was unable to appear on the scheduled date. Although no specific reason for her absence has been officially recorded, sources indicate that she was unable to appear due to health reasons. The CID informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on 18 February that a notice had been issued summoning Prof. Wickramasinghe to provide a statement in connection with the ongoing investigation concerning Ranil Wickremesinghe.