A group of Sri Lankan intellectuals has issued a statement expressing deep concern over reports that Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe has been instructed to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), specifically the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).
The statement notes that respected intellectuals involved in women’s rights—including activists, lawyers, journalists, and former female Members of Parliament—have signed a unanimous declaration of support for Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe.
Among the signatories are Deshamanya Radhika Coomaraswamy, Dr. Nimalka Fernando, Dr. Subhangi Herath, Dr. Renuka Pathirana, G.U.S. Gunawardena, Shriyanaa Perera, Udayangani Daluwatte, Jeevani Kariyawasam, Kumuduni Samuel, Sareena Raheem, Suhara Azeez, Deegu Munasinghe, women’s activist Pushpa Ramlini Ratnayake, Saroja Srivachandran, Sri Sereen Xavier, Vishaka Dharmadasa, Vidya Perera, Nirmali Wickramasinghe, Savithri Rodrigo, and former Member of Parliament Ferial Ashraff, along with several other social activists.
They state that the process appears to be linked primarily to procedures centered on her husband, a former President involved in politics, and that this raises serious concern.
They urge the relevant authorities and institutions to ensure that such actions do not result in unnecessary harassment, intimidation, or damage to the reputation of independent academics.
The statement further emphasizes that protecting academic freedom, institutional independence, and safeguarding scholars from political retaliation are essential elements of a democratic society.