Former Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe has denied shielding former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa from prosecution. During an interview yesterday with an international news channel, Mr Wickremesinghe defended allowing Rajapaksa’s return, stating that no charges were filed. He also added that the Attorney General who is an independent legal authority is empowered to initiate proceedings in such matters.

Mr Wickremasinghe also rejected claims that his administration failed to investigate the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed over 250 people.

The former President dismissed renewed accusations by the Catholic Church that his government protected “other forces” behind the attacks and accused Church leaders of playing politics.

Despite his 2024 election defeat, Mr Wickremesinghe defended his economic policies, crediting himself with stabilizing Sri Lanka’s economy amid the crisis. He maintained that his leadership prevented total collapse, highlighting his role in securing an IMF deal.

Former Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has defended President Ranil Wickremesinghe following his contentious interview with Al Jazeera’s Mehdi Hasan, calling it a premeditated attack disguised as journalism.