Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has formally informed the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) that he will be unable to appear before the Commission on April 25th as requested.

He requested a date after April 27th to appear before CIABOC, citing that his lawyer Ronald Perera is currently abroad.

Mr. Wickremesinghe is summoned to record a statement regarding a statement he had made about the bribery case filed against MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake.

The CIABOC had previously summoned him on April 17, but the latter had informed of his unavailability on that day. Subsequently, the CIABOC yesterday requested Mr. Wickremesinghe to appear before them on April 25.

At a meeting on April 21 at the UNP headquarters, Sirikotha, the former President had also reiterated that he would appear before the Commission once his legal counsel returns.

(Previous news 2025 April 22 – 9.15.a.m.)

Ranil given new date by CIABOC

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been summoned before the Bribery Commission this week.

Accordingly, Mr. Wickremesinghe has been requested to report to the Bribery Commission at 09.30 am on April 25.

He has been summoned to record a statement regarding a statement he had made about the bribery case filed against MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake.The CIABOC had previously summoned Mr. Wickremesinghe on April 17, but the latter had informed of his unavailability on that day.

Therefore, the CIABOC has issued an alternative day.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Rathnayake issued yesterday (April 21) a conditional injunction order against 05 individuals, including the Municipal Commissioner of the Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Municipal Council.

The order prohibits the use of loudspeakers or sound amplification equipment that causes excessive noise during events held at the Angampitiya Sports Grounds.

This conditional court order follows a private lawsuit filed by several residents of the Angampitiya  area – Shehan Dushanta de Silva, Shamini Alwis, Glen Mathew, Asanka Sanjeewa Karunaratne, and K.A.O.S. Kuruppu.

Noting that they do not object to the holding of events, they had sought a court order to prevent public nuisance caused by the excessive noise.

The Health Promotion Bureau of the Ministry of Health has issued several health guidelines to crowds attending the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ exposition.

Accordingly, the Bureau has urged pilgrims to do the following:

1. Drink water frequently to avoid dehydration and avoid sugary drinks.
2. Consume cooked food brought from home soon as possible. Avoid consumption if it feels spoiled.
3. If you are a person who takes daily medications (for illnesses such as epilepsy, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), take them on time. 
4. Keep extra medication at hand to last for a few more days.
5. If you are suffering from a long-term illness, keep a photocopy of your diagnosis or clinic card with you.
6. Keep your phone number attached into your child’s pocket or clothing.
7. When in queues, stay calm. A disturbance by a single person could result in a stampede. Let’s avoid accidents.
8. Take only essentials with you and help reduce waste. Put trash in designated bins whenever possible. Be responsible.
9. If a health issue occurs, seek immediate assistance from officials stationed along the routes or from established health centers.
10. Avoid train accidents when on trains and on train platforms. Avoid hanging from windows or carriages.
11. Drive your vehicle carefully and within designated speed limits. Drive responsibly to avoid road accidents.
12. Carry a small bar of soap or hand sanitizer to maintain your personal hygiene.
13. Use mosquito repellents (such as Citronella oil).

Today is the 05th consecutive day of the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ with the exposition to be held from 11.00am – 5.30pm.