Government Responds to Wickremesinghe's Claims On CIABOC Summons

COLOMBO (News 1st); During a media briefing to announce Cabinet decisions, journalists questioned Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa about former President Ranil Wickremesinghe's recent statement regarding his appearance before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Journalists asked about Wickremesinghe's claim that the current President had read a letter he sent to the Bribery Commission.

Minister Jayatissa clarified that Wickremesinghe himself had posted on social media on April 11, stating that he could not appear before the Bribery Commission on that date and was rescheduled to appear on April 17.

Jayatissa explained, "The Bribery Commission summoned him, and after April 11, he mentioned on his social media accounts that he couldn't attend on the 11th and was asked to come on the 17th. This information was public knowledge. The President quoted Wickremesinghe's social media post, which was not a secret. Former President Wickremesinghe might have forgotten what he himself posted. It was not a confidential matter; it was publicly known by April 11 that he was summoned for the 17th."

Minister Jayatissa emphasized that the President's reference to Wickremesinghe's social media post was not unusual and could have been asked by anyone.