A coalition of 85 academics, journalists, feminist activists and lawyers has issued a statement expressing concern over the summoning of Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The summons is reportedly linked to an ongoing investigation involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe over the alleged misuse of public funds to attend a ceremony at the University of Wolverhampton, where Prof. Wickremesinghe was awarded an Honorary Professorship.

The coalition emphasised that the honour was conferred in recognition of Prof. Wickramasinghe’s independent academic achievements and longstanding contributions to gender equity research, policy development and training. She currently serves as Chair and Senior Professor of English at the University of Kelaniya and is the founding Director of its Centre for Gender Studies.

The statement highlighted her more than three decades of teaching and research, extensive publications, advisory roles in national and Commonwealth institutions, and her role in advancing gender studies within Sri Lanka’s university system. It described her as an independent scholar of recognised integrity and distinction.

Calling for due process, the group urged authorities to ensure that any investigation is conducted fairly and transparently, warning against unwarranted harassment or reputational harm to independent academics. It stressed that academic freedom and institutional autonomy are essential to a democratic society.

Prof. Wickramasinghe was notified to appear before the FCID on 20 February 2026. However, she did not appear on the scheduled date. While no official reason has been recorded, sources indicated that she was unable to attend due to health reasons. The CID informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on 18 February that a notice had been issued requiring her to provide a statement in connection with the ongoing investigation.