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Ranil denies claims of using state funds for London visit

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The Office of the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a statement today (March 18) denying the claims that the former President and his wife Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe travelled to London for a private visit in 2023 using state funds.

The statement notes that Wickremesinghe visited London three times in 2023 : The first visit was on May 9, 2023, to attend the coronation of King Charles III. The second visit was for the 40th anniversary session of the International Democratic Union (IDU), while he was attending the Paris Summit.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, who also attended the G77 Summit in Havana, visited New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) before traveling to London for his third visit.

The ceremony to confer the title of Professor on Mrs. Maithree Wickramasinghe by the University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom took place during this time and Ranil Wickremesinghe was invited to the ceremony and attended it while returning from New York, the statement said.

During these visits, Ranil Wickremesinghe also met with numerous heads of state. As the wife of the then President, Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe participated in meetings and workshops organized at the international level, according to the statement.

Furthermore, the statement clarified that although it was initially planned for Ranil Wickremesinghe to leave the city of London in the evening after arriving from New York, his return to Sri Lanka was delayed until the next day due to several meetings scheduled for that evening.

The former President’s Office stated that it is misleading to claim that a substantial amount of government funds was spent on a visit to London by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and officials. This also demonstrates that the current government lacks an understanding of diplomatic trips, it further said. 

As the President, Ranil Wickremesinghe did not make any private visit to London at government expense in 2023 while all statements made regarding this matter are false, the statement concluded.

The statement has been issued by the Office of the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in response to a statement made by the Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Ratnayake in Parliament last week.

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CID probing into ex-President Ranil’s overseas trips

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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (June 24) that it has launched an investigation into the overseas trips made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his tenure as president.

The CID reported the facts to the court and stated that the investigation is being conducted under the Public Property Act.

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Nelumwewa hot springs to be boosted as tourist destination

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As part of the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, a development project has been proposed to enhance the area surrounding the Nelumwewa hot springs in Welikanda, Polonnaruwa, with the aim of promoting it as a tourist attraction.

A discussion regarding the proposed development was held this morning (June 24) at the site, followed by a field inspection.

Until now, the hot springs area has not been adequately developed, leading to a diminished interest from both local and international tourists.

During the discussion, attention was drawn to the importance of developing the Nelumwewa hot springs, the site’s tourism and scientific potential and its current condition.

Proposals currently being evaluated involve enhancing forest cover in the surrounding area, beautifying the island adjacent to the hot springs and building a bridge from the mainland to the island to facilitate better access for visitors.

Among those present were Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath, Chairman of the Welikanda Pradeshiya Sabha, D.W. Wasantha, retired hydrologist Prof. Dharma Gunawardena of the University of Peradeniya and officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, the Mahaweli Authority, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Welikanda Divisional Secretariat and several other institutions.

(President’s Media Division)

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22 Oluwil university students suspended over ragging

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A group of 22 students from Oluwil University have been suspended for allegedly ragging first-year students, Vice Chancellor Prof. S.M. Junaideen said.

The university’s Registrar, M.I. Naufer, stated that a special committee made up of university professors has been appointed to carry out a formal investigation into the incident.

According to preliminary reports, a group of second-year students from the Engineering Faculty were involved in ragging several first-year students. University authorities said strict disciplinary action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about ragging in universities, which remains a serious issue despite longstanding efforts to eliminate the practice from Sri Lanka’s higher education institutions.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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