Former Norwegian peace envoy to Sri Lanka, Erik Solheim, has voiced strong concern over the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, urging authorities to release him immediately.
In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Solheim wrote:
“Please urgently release Ranil Wickremesinghe! I join the many leaders in Sri Lanka, South Asia, and around the world calling for the immediate release of Sri Lanka’s former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. We are all concerned for his health during detention.”
He praised Wickremesinghe’s role during Sri Lanka’s 2022 crisis, saying:
“Ranil was the leader who stood up to save Sri Lanka when the nation reached rock bottom of economic and political disaster in 2022.”
Solheim also dismissed the allegations against Wickremesinghe, stating that even if true, they would not amount to a crime or unacceptable conduct under European standards.
While expressing support for Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption campaign, he urged the government to focus on pressing issues.
“I give full support to the Sri Lankan Government’s campaign against corruption, but please focus on real issues!” Solheim emphasized.
