Sri Lanka Ex-President Wickremesinghe Rushed ICU After Jailing

Sri Lanka's former president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was rushed to intensive care at Colombo National Hospital shortly after being jailed on corruption charges related to alleged misuse of government funds during a 2023 overseas trip. Hospital officials reported that Wickremesinghe, who has severe diabetes and high blood pressure, was admitted with acute dehydration and needed close monitoring, though his condition was described as stable. He was transferred from prison because the prison medical facility could not adequately treat his deteriorating health. Wickremesinghe denies the charges, maintaining that no public funds were used for the trip, which he said was to accompany his wife for an honorary award. Opposition parties have condemned the arrest, accusing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's government of conducting a politically motivated witch-hunt to prevent Wickremesinghe from regaining power. Despite losing the September presidential election, Wickremesinghe remains politically active and has called for unity against the current government.