Where Is the Ranil UK Trip Case Headed? Why Are Indictments Still Pending?

COLOMBO (News 1st); Critical new details continue to emerge in the investigation into the alleged private visit undertaken by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to the United Kingdom while in office, a trip that investigators say cost the public purse Rs. 16.6 million.

Among the latest developments is further confirmation that Wickremesinghe's visit to the United Kingdom was not carried out on a diplomatic invitation or an official state invitation from the UK Government.

This has come to light following the publication of records by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office listing foreign leaders who undertook official visits to the UK during the relevant period.

While serving as President, Ranil Wickremesinghe travelled to the United Kingdom on September 22 and 23, 2023.

Following investigations that allegedly identified the trip as a private visit undertaken at a cost of Rs. 16.6 million to the public, legal proceedings were initiated against Wickremesinghe and his then Secretary, Saman Ekanayake.

A key argument advanced by Wickremesinghe's side has been that the visit was not private but an official engagement.

However, according to information published on the Gov.UK website, there is no indication that Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the United Kingdom during that period as a Head of State on a diplomatic or official state invitation.

Social and political activist Oshala Herath yesterday handed over the relevant information and supporting documents to the Criminal Investigation Department.

What has happened to the case?

Ranil Wickremesinghe and Saman Ekanayake are currently out on bail in connection with allegations that public funds amounting to Rs. 16.6 million were used for a private overseas visit.

When the case was taken up before the Fort Magistrate's Court on April 29, the court observed that sufficient evidence existed and stressed that delays in criminal investigations diminished the value of those investigations. The Magistrate directed authorities to proceed with indictments without delay.

On April 29, 2026, Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara stated:

"Generally, when criminal investigations are delayed, the value of those investigations is diminished. That is why the court continues to inquire about the filing of indictments against the suspects. Based on the evidence available against the first suspect, there is sufficient basis to file indictments. The manner in which the second suspect acted in approving funds for the trip demonstrates the necessary criminal intent. Indictments can be filed against him as well. Do not delay the investigation. File indictments against the suspects."

When the case was revisited on July 8, the Criminal Investigation Department informed court that investigations had been completed and the relevant extracts had been forwarded to the Attorney General.

On that occasion, Senior State Counsel Samadari Piyasena requested a date to communicate the Attorney General's position to court.

The Fort Magistrate subsequently fixed September 30 as the next hearing date and directed that the Attorney General's position be conveyed on that date.

Commenting on the matter at a media briefing today, People's Tomorrow Chairman Attorney-at-Law Manoj Nanayakkara questioned the delay in further legal action.

According to Nanayakkara, CID investigators had travelled to the United Kingdom, gathered the relevant information and completed all aspects of the investigation before submitting a report to the Attorney General's Department recommending that legal proceedings could proceed.

He also noted that Senior Additional Solicitor General Dilip Peiris, who appeared in the case, had reportedly made relevant recommendations to the Attorney General.

Nanayakkara further claimed that despite requests by investigators and other parties to file indictments and consider a Trial-at-Bar before a three-judge bench, no such action has yet been taken.

He questioned why the file had remained with the Attorney General's Department for several months and asked whether there was any obstacle to filing indictments against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Nanayakkara also alleged that a public perception existed regarding a possible affinity between the Attorney General and the former President, arguing that any such perception could undermine public confidence in the Attorney General's Department.

He called for the Department to proceed with the next legal steps, noting that investigations had already been completed, proceedings before the Magistrate's Court concluded and the matter formally referred to the Attorney General.

Nanayakkara further alleged that Wickremesinghe was currently playing a central role in mobilising opposition figures and organisations critical of certain government initiatives, and questioned whether the continued delay in legal proceedings and those political developments were connected.

What is the Attorney General's Department's response?

Responding to an inquiry by News 1st, the Attorney General's Department stated that the Criminal Investigation Department has completed its investigations and submitted the relevant extracts.

The Department said the material is currently under review and that further action will be taken expeditiously.

The matter was also raised during today's Cabinet media briefing.

A journalist pointed out that the case involving Ranil Wickremesinghe appears to be awaiting advice from the Attorney General, while noting that several other cases are also pending due to similar delays.

Responding to the question, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalin Jayatissa said reforms were being implemented within the Attorney General's Department as well.

"These reforms are applicable to the Attorney General's Department too. Facilities are being improved and recruitment needs to be accelerated. All those measures are being undertaken. It is true that one of the practical issues affecting the speed of legal proceedings is delays in obtaining reports from the Attorney General's Department. That is a challenge we have experienced in practice."

Another journalist raised allegations that legal action in the Ranil Wickremesinghe case was being intentionally delayed and questioned whether concerns regarding the Attorney General's independence warranted government intervention.

Responding, Dr. Jayatissa stated:

"It is the Attorney General's Department, under the leadership of the Attorney General, that is responsible for instituting and conducting these legal proceedings. As you can see, a significant number of cases have already been filed, are proceeding before courts and judgments have also been delivered. The Attorney General's Department handles these matters on behalf of the State. Given the large number of cases currently before it, the Department does not have sufficient resources or personnel. As I mentioned earlier, reforms are already underway to address those shortcomings. All of these factors are interconnected and contribute to delays in legal proceedings."