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Why Was the Former Sri Lankan President Arrested: Full Story



Unprecedented Arrest Marks New Chapter in Anti-Corruption Drive

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been granted bail after becoming the first executive president in the country's post-independence history to face arrest on corruption charges. The 76-year-old veteran politician was released on Tuesday by Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura on three surety bails of five million rupees each, with his next court hearing scheduled for October 29.


The Charges and Allegations

Wickremesinghe faces accusations of misusing approximately 16.6 million Sri Lankan rupees ($55,000) in state funds during his presidency from 2022 to 2024. The charges stem from a September 2023 trip to London, where he attended a graduation ceremony honoring his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe, at the University of Wolverhampton following official visits to Cuba and the United States.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) alleges that documents initially listed the London visit as private but were later altered to appear official. Prosecutors claim that 13.3 million rupees was spent by the Presidential Secretariat, with an additional 3.2 million rupees incurred under Sri Lanka Police and Navy expenditure, totaling 16.6 million rupees in state funds. The investigation centers on whether these public resources were improperly used for what authorities characterize as a personal visit.

Wickremesinghe maintains his innocence, arguing that the invitation was extended to him in his official capacity as President and that his wife covered her own travel expenses. His legal team presented a September 1, 2023 invitation letter claiming the London visit was official, though prosecutors have questioned the document's authenticity.


Political Implications and Public Response

The arrest has ignited significant political controversy in Sri Lanka. Over 1,000 supporters gathered outside the courthouse prior to the bail hearing, many dressed in black and carrying banners demanding Wickremesinghe's immediate release. Opposition parties have condemned the arrest as politically motivated, arguing it represents a threat to democratic values and targets political adversaries.

Ruwan Wijewardene, deputy leader of Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), described the charges as unfounded, stating: "Ranil Wickremesinghe has never misappropriated public or state funds. He was the individual who rose to the occasion to save this nation when the economy faltered". The UNP maintains that the charges are driven by political motives, a claim disputed by the current ruling party.


Health Concerns and Court Proceedings

Wickremesinghe's health became a significant factor in the proceedings. He was hospitalized at Colombo National Hospital's Intensive Care Unit due to dehydration and related complications, including diabetes and elevated blood pressure. His lawyers presented a detailed medical report revealing that three of his four coronary arteries are blocked. Due to his condition, Wickremesinghe participated in the court hearing virtually via Zoom from the hospital.

The magistrate ordered that adequate medical care and protection be provided during his detention period.


President Dissanayake's Anti-Corruption Campaign

The arrest occurs under the administration of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who assumed office in September 2024 on a strong anti-corruption platform. Dissanayake, commonly known as AKD, leads the National People's Power coalition and has promised to reopen over 400 cases of corruption and fraud. His government has committed to holding accountable those implicated in corruption from previous administrations.

The Dissanayake administration has already initiated widespread investigations, with 28 current and former political figures, including Members of Parliament and ex-ministers, now under formal investigation by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division of the CID. This broader crackdown includes prominent names such as Namal Rajapaksa, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena etc...


Legal Framework and Potential Consequences

The case is being prosecuted under the Public Property Act and sections of the Penal Code. Under Sri Lankan law, misuse of public funds exceeding 25,000 rupees can lead to arrest and remand. The Offences Against Public Property Act provides for severe penalties, including imprisonment for terms between one and twenty years, along with fines that could be three times the value of the misappropriated property.


Future Proceedings and Broader Context

The case highlights fundamental questions about the separation of public and private life for heads of state.

Wickremesinghe's next court appearance is scheduled for October 29, 2025. The proceedings will likely focus on establishing whether the London visit was genuinely official or constituted a misuse of public resources. The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that state funds were improperly utilized, while the defense will argue that all aspects of the trip were conducted within official protocols.

The case represents a significant test for Sri Lanka's judicial independence and the government's commitment to anti-corruption efforts. As the nation continues to recover from its worst economic crisis in decades, the outcome could substantially impact public trust in governance and the rule of law. The proceedings will be closely watched as they may set important precedents for accountability among former leaders and the scope of executive privilege in post-independence Sri Lanka.Unprecedented Arrest Marks New Chapter in Anti-Corruption Drive.

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