Counsel for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe told court today that his client is suffering from several health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
The lawyer also revealed that Wickremesinghe’s wife is battling cancer and emphasized that he is the only person available to care for her. He urged the court to consider these humanitarian circumstances when deciding on the bail application.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena arrived at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today to show solidarity with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was arrested earlier over allegations of misusing state funds.
The decision on the bail application of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been further delayed, according to court sources.
The Kotahena Magistrate’s Court, where the case is being heard, faced an unexpected power outage, which resulted in the postponement of the announcement.
Wickremesinghe was taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) earlier today (22) over allegations related to the use of state funds during an overseas visit to London while he was in office.
Court officials have indicated that a new date for the bail decision will be announced once proceedings resume.
The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has announced that the decision on the bail application of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was taken into custody earlier today (22), will be postponed by half an hour.
Wickremesinghe was arrested this afternoon by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over allegations that state funds were used for a private visit to London during his presidency.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today (22) that the law is being enforced equally, without regard to status or position.
He stressed that it does not matter whether the individual is an Inspector General of Police, a Deputy Inspector General, a Member of Parliament, a Minister, or even a former President — the law applies the same to all.
“If someone commits an offence, that person will be brought before the law without hesitation, and this is now visible in practice,” the Minister said.
He further noted that victims of crime must receive justice, while offenders must be held accountable, highlighting that the National People’s Power (NPP) government is committed to a system of governance based on justice and equality.
Wijepala also revealed that a significant number of investigations into bribery and corruption are currently underway. He pointed out that in the past, many crimes went unpunished and justice was often denied to victims, but assured that under the present administration, justice will be delivered to every victim without exception.
Update: The bail application submitted by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is still being considered at Court, as the proceedings are ongoing, reports said.
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By: Isuru Parakrama
August 22, Colombo (LNW): In a remarkable turn of events, the arrest of former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe this afternoon (August 22) has swiftly captured the attention of global media outlets—an unusual feat for Sri Lankan domestic affairs.
This high-profile legal development, reported by the BBC, Reuters, NDTV, AP News, and others, marks a rare moment when national headlines resonate across borders, spotlighting both governance issues and political accountability in the island nation.
Coverage by Reuters described how Wickremesinghe was detained by the Criminal Investigation Department over alleged misuse of state funds during a trip to London for his wife’s graduation—an international scandal that naturally invites scrutiny beyond Sri Lanka’s borders.
Similarly, the Associated Press, emphasised the unprecedented nature of the arrest, underscoring that he is the first former Sri Lankan head of state to face detainment in connection with corruption probes.
This incident has been rendered especially newsworthy internationally due to several compelling factors. First and foremost is the rarity of such high-ranking figures being apprehended for alleged financial misconduct. The arrest signals a robust anti-corruption stance by the current administration under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake—a narrative that appeals to global audiences keen on democratic accountability and institutional reform.
Moreover, the context of the alleged offence adds to the story’s resonance. The accusation—that state resources were used to fund a personal event, namely, the former president’s wife’s graduation in London—is both specific and symbolic.
This deepens international interest as it speaks to broader themes of inequality and misuse of privilege.
Contrast this with previous incidents involving Sri Lankan political figures, which have typically garnered only peripheral global attention unless tied to civil war allegations, human rights violations, or natural disasters. Even the Rajapaksa family, heavily scrutinised on the world stage, often featured in discussions about war crimes or economic meltdown. In Wickremesinghe’s case, however, the focus is not on systemic conflict, but on everyday corruption—making it a universally recognisable story about misuse of taxpayer funds.
Furthermore, international broadcasters like the BBC and NDTV, alongside wire services like Reuters, have the infrastructure and reach to amplify such developments swiftly. Combined with the real-time nature of breaking news cycles, the arrest dominated headlines almost immediately, creating a feedback loop of coverage that sustained global attention.
In sum, this story has broken through international news barriers because it combines political novelty, symbolic weight, and widespread relevance. It offers a clear-cut drama of alleged misappropriation, set against a backdrop of economic recovery and public suffering. As Sri Lanka navigates the legal fallout, the world watches not just for outcome, but for what this moment might mean for the broader fight against corruption in the region.
References:
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/sri-lanka-arrests-former-president-wickremesinghe-local-media-reports-2025-08-22/
https://apnews.com/article/3057941fe6d62e681f23e5f190812fbc
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwye3y3dyn6o
https://www.ndtv.com/video/ex-sri-lankan-president-ranil-wickremesinghe-arrested-over-alleged-fund-misuse-984107
Reports indicate that political leaders and supporters have gathered at the court premises to show solidarity with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and produced before the court.
Among the politicians present are Vajira Abeywardena, Sagala Ratnayaka, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Nimal Lanza, Nishantha Warnasinghe, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Mahinda Amaraweera, Namal Rajapaksa, Ruwan Wijewardene, and Dinesh Gunawardena.
Heavy crowds have been reported within the court premises, while security has also been tightened in the area.
Colombo (LNW) – The United National Party (UNP) has released a copy of the official invitation extended to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his wife, Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe, by the University of Wolverhampton in September 2023, following his recent arrest over alleged misuse of state funds.
The invitation, signed by University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Raftery, was addressed to President Wickremesinghe and the First Lady, inviting them to attend a graduation luncheon and ceremony on September 22, 2023, at the Wolverhampton campus.
The UNP emphasized that Wickremesinghe’s visit to London was an officially recognized event and strongly rejected claims that state resources were misused. The party reiterated Wickremesinghe’s position that no public funds were improperly allocated for the trip.
Wickremesinghe was arrested on August 22, 2025, by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with allegations that government money was spent on his travel and security arrangements during the visit. He has consistently denied the accusations, maintaining that the expenses did not involve misuse of state finances.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been taken into custody under charges filed under Sections 386 and 388 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 5(1) of the Public Property Act.
The arrest was carried out today (22) by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) when Wickremesinghe arrived to provide a statement.
The investigation concerns allegations that during his tenure, Wickremesinghe used state funds to travel to London with his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe, to attend her graduation ceremony as a private visit. He had been summoned to provide a statement related to this inquiry.
Following his arrest, the former President was brought before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court a short while ago.
