Colombo (LNW): Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been remanded in custody until August 26 after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.
Wickremesinghe, who led the country from 2022 to 2024, was arrested on allegations of misusing state funds. Prosecutors allege that he authorized public money to finance a private trip to London in 2023, which coincided with his wife’s graduation ceremony, while presenting it as an official state visit.
The case marks the first time in Sri Lanka’s history that a former head of state has been arrested and remanded. The court ruling follows a CID investigation launched earlier this year, during which several of Wickremesinghe’s aides were questioned.
The arrest comes under the administration of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who has pledged to crack down on corruption and hold political leaders accountable.
