Colombo: In a dramatic political development, Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Friday arrested former President Ranil Wickremesinghe over allegations of misusing public funds during an overseas visit.
London Trip Under Scanner
The case revolves around Wickremesinghe’s September 2023 visit to London, where he attended a University of Wolverhampton graduation ceremony for his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe. Investigators allege that government money was used to cover travel and security expenses for the trip, according to Daily Mirror Online.
The 75-year-old leader, however, has denied the charges, insisting that his wife bore her own costs and that no state funds were misused.
Court Appearance Scheduled
Officials confirmed that Wickremesinghe would be produced in court later on Friday. His arrest marks a historic first, making him the first former Sri Lankan President to face arrest.
Crisis-Era President
Wickremesinghe assumed the presidency in 2022, following the dramatic exit of Gotabaya Rajapaksa amid mass protests and an unprecedented economic collapse. He remained in office until 2024, a period when Sri Lanka was battling shortages, inflation, and public unrest.
Despite criticism, Wickremesinghe was often credited internationally for stabilising the island nation’s economy and steering bailout negotiations with the IMF. Over his long political career, he also served as Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister six times.
Political Shockwaves
The arrest has triggered shockwaves in Colombo’s political circles, with analysts warning it could deepen instability in a country still recovering from economic turmoil. For Wickremesinghe, once regarded as a crisis manager and steady hand in governance, the allegations now pose the gravest challenge to his legacy.
