Sri Lanka’s Ex-President Jailed Over Misuse of Funds
Ranil Wickremesinghe hospitalized after arrest for alleged misuse.
Sri Lanka’s former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been thrust into a prison hospital after a Colombo court denied him bail, following his dramatic arrest over allegations of misusing state funds. The 76-year-old veteran politician, who led the nation from 2022 to 2024, was remanded until August 26 after a marathon six-hour court session at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Wickremesinghe was detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, where he was summoned to address claims of misappropriating 16.6 million Sri Lankan rupees. The charges, filed under Sections 386 and 388 of the Penal Code and Section 5(1) of the Public Properties Act, carry potential penalties ranging from one to 20 years in prison. The accusations center on Wickremesinghe’s alleged use of state funds for a personal trip to the UK in September 2023 to attend his wife’s convocation ceremony, following an official visit to the US.
After his arrest, Wickremesinghe was transferred to Magazine Remand Prison near midnight. On Saturday, prison spokesman Jagath Weerasinghe confirmed the former president was moved to the prison hospital due to elevated blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Despite his health concerns, Wickremesinghe has remained resilient, with prison officials granting his request for home-cooked meals.
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The court’s decision to deny bail came after Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura ruled that the defense failed to present compelling reasons for release. The high-profile case has drawn visits from political allies and rivals alike, including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who noted, “He was in good spirits and understands this is part of politics.” Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa also visited, reporting that Wickremesinghe appeared “fine” despite the ordeal.
Wickremesinghe, credited with guiding Sri Lanka through its 2022 economic crisis after succeeding Gotabaya Rajapaksa, now faces intense scrutiny. The CID had previously questioned his staff about the controversial travel expenses, which allegedly covered a private engagement in the UK. The allegations have sparked debate about accountability and political vendettas in Sri Lanka’s volatile political landscape.
As the nation awaits further developments, the case underscores the challenges facing former leaders in a country still grappling with economic and political instability. Wickremesinghe’s supporters argue the charges are politically motivated, while critics demand transparency. With his next court appearance looming, the former president’s fate remains uncertain, captivating Sri Lanka and beyond.
