Sri Lanka Court Remands Ex-President Wickremesinghe Over State Funds Misuse

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department and remanded in custody until August 26, facing allegations of misusing state funds during a private overseas visit. The investigation centers on a September 2023 trip to London, where Wickremesinghe attended his wife’s graduation ceremony, which was reportedly financed by approximately Rs. 16.9 million of government money despite the visit having no official government purpose. Wickremesinghe has denied these allegations, asserting that his wife covered her own expenses. His arrest marks the first time a former Sri Lankan head of state has been taken into custody, generating significant tension and protests from United National Party supporters outside the Colombo court. The case has prompted claims from Wickremesinghe's allies that the charges are politically motivated, highlighting the former president's role in managing Sri Lanka's economic crisis during his tenure. Security measures were intensified around the court amid the high-profile remand proceedings.