Former Presidents Under Investigation: Gotabaya and Wickremesinghe's Former Secretary Summoned by CID

Colombo, Sri Lanka — The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has summoned former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake to provide statements for two separate cases. Sunday Tims reports.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa is being called in to give a statement regarding remarks made by former Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon concerning the failure to control the attack on 'Aragalaya' protesters at Galle Face Green.

Saman Ekanayake has been directed to report to the CID tomorrow to provide a statement about former President Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to the UK and allegations of misusing state funds for the trip.

Saman Ekanayake is expected to present additional evidence to confirm the authenticity of the invitation from the University of Wolverhampton, which was previously alleged to be fabricated. Two invitations addressed to the former President and First Lady, as well as the former High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK, have reportedly been located.

The University of Wolverhampton has responded to an email from Wickremesinghe's lawyer, confirming the genuineness of the invitation. These documents are set to be presented to the CID.

Furthermore, Wickremesinghe’s lawyers have reportedly obtained meeting minutes that confirm the event and the attendance of the former President and First Lady. The minutes include an acknowledgment from Mayor Dr. Michael Hardacre, who thanked the university for the invitation and noted the presence of the President, First Lady, and the former High Commissioner