Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe Arrested in State Funds Misuse Probe

In a landmark development, Sri Lanka’s ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested today by anti-corruption authorities over allegations of misusing public funds during his presidential tenure.
Authorities allege that Wickremesinghe used state monies to finance a visit to London in 2023, which was ostensibly part of an official trip to Cuba and the United States. During that visit, he reportedly attended his wife’s graduation ceremony at the University of Wolverhampton—an event investigators claim was financed using roughly US$50,000 in public funds. The investigation also includes scrutiny of costs covering airfare, accommodation, and the retention of his security detail.
This arrest marks the first time a former Sri Lankan head of state has been detained on corruption charges. Wickremesinghe, who led the country during a severe economic crisis from 2022 to 2024 and had previously served a record six terms as prime minister, was presented in court today. Allies and members of his United National Party have strongly denied the allegations, asserting they are politically motivated.
The move comes under the broader anti-corruption drive instituted by the current government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Since coming to power in September 2024, his administration has launched investigations into numerous figures from previous governments.
 

Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, Times of India