Sri Lanka, Feb. 11 -- The former Secretary to the President, Saman Ekanayake, has been ordered to remain in remand custody until 18 February. Fort Main Magistrate Isuru Nettikumara issued the directive today following allegations that Mr Ekanayake aided and abetted the misappropriation of state funds.

The case centres on a private visit made by the former President to London to attend the graduation ceremony of his wife, Professor Maithri Wickramasinghe. It is alleged that the trip resulted in a loss of over fifteen million rupees to the government.

Appearing for the Criminal Investigation Department, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris presented submissions regarding the financial discrepancy. The court is expected to consider...