A request made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss with former Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, who is in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department on detention orders, has been rejected.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Ranil Wickremesinghe had requested the Criminal Investigation Department to provide an opportunity to speak with Chandrakanthan.

The Public Security Minister further stated that permission was not granted to the request, as it is illegal to speak to a suspect in custody over the phone.