Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has accused the Bribery Commission of wilfully misleading the court through submissions made in reference to him.
In a statement issued on May 16, Wickremesinghe stated that he is consulting his legal team regarding possible action against the Commission’s claims.
He criticized media reports for omitting key facts, including the court’s rejection of the Commission’s request to cancel MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake’s bail.
Wickremesinghe noted that the counsel for Dassanayake had strongly objected to the Commission’s statements during court proceedings.
Explaining his involvement, Wickremesinghe said Dassanayake’s wife had approached him regarding a possible violation of parliamentary privilege by a government minister.
He stated he could not disclose details of his legal advice and directed the Commission to relevant constitutional provisions regarding the management of public funds.
Wickremesinghe emphasized that the withdrawal of fixed deposits without legal authorization violates the Constitution, regardless of any circular issued.
He argued that the circular referred to in the case was a restatement of existing law and that fixed deposits must be used only for purposes authorized in the provincial budget.
The Bribery Commission claimed in court that Wickremesinghe made public statements without knowing the actual date the circular was issued, impacting the investigation.
Despite the Commission’s attempt to revoke Dassanayake’s bail over alleged interference, the Colombo Chief Magistrate rejected the request.
Wickremesinghe has written to the Commission, expressing concerns over how the investigation into the alleged Rs. 1.76 billion loss was conducted.
The case against MP Dassanayake relates to the premature withdrawal of a fixed deposit by the Uva Provincial Council, allegedly causing significant financial loss to the state.
