The United National Party (UNP) has officially released a copy of the invitation extended to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his wife, Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe, by the University of Wolverhampton in September 2023, following his arrest on allegations of misusing state funds for the trip.
The invitation, signed by University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Raftery, was addressed to President Wickremesinghe and the First Lady and referred to their participation in a graduation luncheon and ceremony on September 22, 2023, at the university campus in Wolverhampton.
The party insisted that Wickremesinghe had not used state funds improperly, reiterating his earlier denial of the allegations.
Wickremesinghe was arrested on August 22, 2025, by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over allegations that public money was spent on his London visit, including travel and security costs. He has maintained that no public funds were misused. (Islandnews)
