Maithree Wickremesinghe Summoned by CID
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe's wife, Maithree Wickremesinghe, has been summoned to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department on February 20.Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed this to the court today.The announcement was made when the case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, relating to the alleged misuse of Rs. 16.6 million in state funds for a tour in the United Kingdom, was taken up in court.The court convened today to deliver the order on the bail application filed by the second suspect, Saman Ekanayake.Delivering the order, the Magistrate stated that the court observed criminal intent on the part of the second suspect.Fort Magistrate Isuru Nettikumara"I am reading a section of the seven‐page order. When charges are filed under the Public Property Act, special reasons must be presented to obtain bail.This case concerns the alleged misappropriation of over Rs. 16 million by the highest state official of this Republic.The second suspect is charged with aiding and abetting this financial crime.Without verifying whether the former President's foreign visit was personal or official, the second suspect approved state funds.Even if financial details were provided by another official, he cannot absolve his responsibility.At a time when funds were scarce, it was his duty to examine the justification.If the highest state official acts this way, all state financial administration collapses.Therefore, the second suspect cannot approve funds based on the premise that the head of state's foreign tours cannot be questioned.It appears the second suspect acted with criminal intent."The Magistrate, however, noted that all individuals are equal before the law and announced that the second suspect would be released on bail.Fort Magistrate Isuru Nettikumara"The charges against the first suspect are more severe than those against the second suspect. However, the presiding Magistrate released the first suspect on bail due to medical reasons, treating his condition as exceptional.It was submitted that the first suspect suffers from a life‐threatening illness.Even after being remanded, there was no report to court about his admission to the ICU or his medical condition.No medical report was called from the court.Yet, bail was granted based on medical reports approved by a panel of specialist doctors, not reports called through a government medical officer.Despite the claim of a serious medical condition, there is no record of receiving residential treatment before or after being granted bail.The second suspect has now been in remand for 21 days.Everyone is equal before the law, this applies to presidents and secretaries alike.The ongoing investigations apply to both suspects equally.Therefore, the second suspect is released on two personal bail bonds worth Rs. 20 million each.Since the first suspect was released without a travel ban, I will not impose a travel ban on the second suspect either.The previous travel ban imposed on the second suspect is lifted."The case is scheduled to be called again on April 29 at 2:00 p.m.
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