by Our Correspondent in Colombo
The Prime Minister’s Office has officially announced that the news published by Hiru Media Network under the title “Prime Minister Harini came to see Ranil with Maithri at midnight” is false. The statement further noted that the Prime Minister’s Office intends to take legal action regarding this matter.
However, according to local media reports, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya visited the Colombo National Hospital in the early hours of yesterday (24) to meet former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Reports also claimed that she was accompanied by the former President’s wife, Professor Maithri Wickremesinghe. Hospital sources said the visit lasted more than two hours.
Professor Maithri Wickremesinghe, who is currently battling cancer, attracted widespread attention on social media with a heartfelt post reflecting on her illness and the loss of her husband.
The visit comes after Wickremesinghe was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over alleged financial misconduct. The move has sparked criticism both nationally and internationally, with many viewing it as politically motivated.
Commenting on the situation, a senior political analyst said: “This visit (if it happened) can be seen in two dimensions. First, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, along with key members of the NPP, has faced severe criticism over the past few months, with the JVP leadership reportedly pressuring her to resign — a claim she has denied. There is a growing internal rift in the current government, as many NPP leaders are deeply unhappy with JVP interference in governance.
“Second, with President Anura Dissanayaka now facing his first major political crisis following this arrest, he may be trying to gauge public sentiment and generate sympathy. Sending his most trusted and balanced political allies, such as the Prime Minister, to visit former President Wickremesinghe could be a strategic move to manage public perception. Anura is known for his skilful political manoeuvring, and this could also be an attempt to use the Prime Minister to navigate the current political quagmire.”
Meanwhile, international reactions include a statement from former UN official Erik Solheim, who urged the immediate release of Wickremesinghe, citing concerns for his health. “The accusations against Ranil are without merit,” Solheim said, while calling on the government to focus on genuine anti-corruption efforts.
Indian Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also expressed concern, urging Colombo to “abjure the politics of vengeance” and treat the former President with dignity. He described the alleged charges as “trivial” and noted Wickremesinghe’s health issues following his hospitalisation.
Senior Indian journalist S. Venkat Narayan described the arrest as “highly ridiculous” and suggested that India could provide medical assistance to the 76-year-old leader if necessary.
