Clarifying the nature of official trips and ethical considerations: Response to Dr. Jayalath Adikarige

Following is a response to Dr. Jayalath Bandara Adikarige's article in the Daily FT, titled "Accountability is not petty" (https://www.ft.lk/columns/Accountability-is-not-petty-Response-to-Dr-Dayan-Jayatilleka/4-781081)

- By Sumudu Kakulanda

THE recent article published which attempted to address the allegations surrounding former President Ranil Wickremesinghe's 2023 trip to the United Kingdom warrants a clear and factual clarification. The entire journey, including the visit to the UK, must be understood within the context of official international duties and protocol.

President Wickremesinghe's 2023 itinerary was comprehensive and clearly official. Prior to reaching the United Kingdom, the former President visited Havana in Cuba, where he attended the G-77 summit. Following the summit, the President and his official delegation travelled to New York, where he addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)—an event where attendance is not by invitation but by member state representation. At times the Head of State may choose to address the General Assembly, which former President Wickremesinghe did. Following the conclusion of the visit to New York, the President returned to Colombo, which involved a transit through London with an overnight stay, part of an official itinerary that continued seamlessly after the UK visit.

Following the former President's return to Colombo engagements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were held in Sri Lanka. Following which the President travelled to Berlin, where he met the Chancellor of Germany before returning home.

These visits were uniformly regarded as official, and it is inconsistent and incorrect to assert that the trip was official only until before the London transit and not beyond.