News Today: Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe Clarifies Corruption Allegations

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe appeared before the CID on April 28, 2025, to clarify matters related to a corruption allegation involving Member of Parliament Chamara Sampath Dassanayake. The questioning lasted for over three hours, during which a detailed statement was recorded.

This inquiry came after Wickremesinghe made a public statement concerning allegations against Dassanayake, who is currently in remand custody for alleged actions taken during his tenure as Chief Minister of the Uva Provincial Council. Wickremesinghe clarified that his statement related to the use of public funds, specifically the practice of placing funds into fixed deposit accounts without appropriate authorisation.

The former President emphasized that funds collected by Provincial Councils must be used to stimulate the economy, with a focus on economic growth through circulating funds rather than hoarding them. He stated that it was crucial for the economy to have a budget to ensure timely payments for salaries and avoid unnecessary borrowing that burdens the public.

Wickremesinghe also addressed concerns regarding the handling of confidential documents, expressing his opposition to unauthorized individuals viewing such materials. He noted that he had previously requested another date to appear before the Bribery Commission, which had granted him an extension due to his lawyer’s absence. He ultimately appeared on April 28 after receiving a final notice from the Bribery Commission, warning of legal action if he failed to comply.