Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe Arrested Over Alleged Misuse of Funds

In a significant development, Sri Lanka's former president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has been arrested by local authorities in connection with allegations of misusing government funds related to his overseas trips while in office. This comes as the CID continues to investigate his financial dealings during his presidency amid claims of a personal nature.

Wickremesinghe, who held the presidency from 2022 to 2024, took office during a turbulent time when his predecessor fled the country after severe economic turmoil sparked widespread protests. Notably, he has been credited with helping stabilize the economy and has held the prime ministerial post multiple times since the 1990s. The alleged misconduct involves 23 foreign visits, reportedly costing the state over Rs 600 million (approximately $2 million).

One specific allegation pertains to a stopover in the UK in 2023 after attending the G77 summit in Cuba, during which he attended a personal ceremony with his wife at the University of Wolverhampton. The CID alleges this was a trip that improperly used state resources, a claim Wickremesinghe has categorically denied. He is scheduled to appear in court in Colombo for further proceedings.

This situation continues to unfold, with updates expected as the investigation progresses.