Former Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe Arrested over Alleged State Fund Misuse

Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka's former president who served from 2022 to 2024, was arrested on allegations of misusing public funds to finance a private trip to London for his wife's graduation ceremony. This trip was tagged onto an official tour that included visits to Cuba and the United States but was alleged to have no government purpose, with approximately $50,000 reportedly spent on airfare, accommodation, and related expenses. Wickremesinghe is the first former Sri Lankan head of state to be taken into custody on corruption charges, marking a significant move by the government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which has vowed to hold previous officials accountable for corruption. Despite the arrest and court remand, Wickremesinghe and his party, the United National Party, have denied any misuse of public funds, presenting official invitations as evidence. The case has sparked political debate in Sri Lanka, highlighting ongoing tensions amid efforts to address corruption following the nation's economic crisis. Wickremesinghe, credited with stabilizing Sri Lanka's economy during his presidency, remains a prominent political figure amid these legal challenges.