Sri Lanka, April 15 -- A request made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to have a discussion with former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, who is currently in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under a detention order, has been denied.

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala confirmed that the former President had made a request to the CID for an opportunity to speak with former State Minister Chandrakanthan, who is currently in custody.

It is reported that one of former President Wickremesinghe's security officers contacted CID officials via telephone requesting that the former President be allowed to speak with the detainee.

Public Security Minister Wijepala clarified tha...