August 22, Colombo (LNW): Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been placed under arrest by officers from the Financial Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in connection with an ongoing inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of public funds during his time in office.
The arrest was made earlier today, 22 August, when Wickremesinghe arrived to provide a statement to investigators. The charges brought against him fall under Sections 386 and 388 of the Penal Code, which relate to criminal breach of trust and cheating, as well as Section 5(1) of the Public Property Act—legislation commonly invoked in cases involving suspected misuse of state resources.
The investigation centres around a private visit to London undertaken by Mr Wickremesinghe whilst serving as Head of State. The trip, during which he attended the graduation ceremony of his wife, Professor Maithri Wickremesinghe, has drawn scrutiny over whether public funds were inappropriately used to cover travel and associated expenses.
Following his arrest, the former President was brought before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court. The case has generated considerable public attention, given Mr Wickremesinghe’s prominent role in the country’s political history and his long-standing influence in national affairs.
Legal proceedings are expected to continue as investigators work to determine the extent of any potential violations and whether further charges may be warranted.
