Former Sri Lankan President Arrested on Alleged Misuse of Public Funds

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested today by the Criminal Investigation Department on allegations of misusing state funds during his tenure from 2022 to 2024. This marks the first time a former Sri Lankan head of state has been detained in connection with corruption charges.

The arrest centers on a private trip to London in September 2023. Police allege Wickremesinghe used roughly Rs 16.9 million—approximately US $50,000—in public funds, framing the journey as part of an official overseas tour but in fact attending his wife’s graduation ceremony at the University of Wolverhampton.

Wickremesinghe appeared before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody until August 26, pending further hearing. His arrest occurred amid a broad anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government, which came to power last year on promises to hold former officials accountable.

Supporters of Wickremesinghe, who played a key role in stabilizing Sri Lanka’s economy through IMF-led reforms amid an economic crisis, have criticized the arrest as politically motivated.