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Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested on August 22, 2025, by the Criminal Investigation Department over alleged misuse of approximately Rs 16.9 million in state funds during a private London trip in 2023. This marks the first arrest of a former head of state under current anti-corruption measures.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe Arrested on Corruption Allegations
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On August 22, 2025, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Ranil Wickremesinghe, former president of Sri Lanka, on suspicion of misusing public funds. The arrest relates to an alleged misuse of state resources—estimated at Rs. 16.9 million (about USD 50,000)—for a private trip to London in September 2023 to attend his wife’s convocation ceremony. This is a high-stakes development in the country’s political and judicial landscape, marking the first time a former Sri Lankan head of state has been detained under similar corruption allegations.
Context Behind the Arrest
- Political background: Wickremesinghe assumed the presidency in July 2022, following Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation amid economic and political turmoil. He completed the term through September 2024, spearheading some stabilization efforts but facing low popularity due to austerity measures.
- Trigger for investigation: In June 2025, CID investigations began scrutinizing his September 2023 London visit. The visit had ostensibly been combined with a state trip to Cuba and the U.S., raising suspicions that it was a private affair financed by the state.Wikipedia
- Sum alleged misused: Investigators estimate the misuse of approximately Rs. 16.9 million in public funds. This includes expenses that possibly covered travel and security for the convocation ceremony—allegedly a private event.Wikipedia
The Arrest Process
- CID summons and questioning: Authorities summoned Wickremesinghe to the CID headquarters in Colombo to provide a statement. Following the questioning, he was formally taken into custody by CID in the morning of August 22, 2025.
- Court appearance: He was expected to be produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate Court later that day, as part of routine legal process to seek remand or bail.
Significance & Wider Implications
- Historic first: This represents the first arrest of a former Sri Lankan head of state on corruption charges—a landmark moment in the country’s efforts to hold former officials accountable.
- Broader anti-corruption drive: The action underscores a sustained crackdown by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration. Since taking office in late 2024, his government has ramped up investigations into officials from previous regimes.
Defense & Reactions
- Wickremesinghe’s stance: His office contends that no state funds were misused. It has been reported that his wife covered her own expenses and that the London visit was personal, not state-related.
- Investigators’ view: CID alleges the visit was wrongly classified as official to justify state funding—including paying for travel and security for personal reasons.
What’s Next
- Judicial proceedings: Wickremesinghe will appear before the magistrate for potential remand or bail decisions. Further investigation will likely involve reviewing official documentation and questioning more aides.
- Public & political impact: This case may shift political dynamics ahead, potentially influencing public opinion ahead of future elections and fueling discussions on governance and integrity. Media and the public will closely watch how this unfolds.
The arrest of Ranil Wickremesinghe on August 22, 2025, for allegedly misusing Rs. 16.9 million in public funds during a personal trip to London, marks a watershed moment in Sri Lankan political history. As he faces formal charges and judicial scrutiny, the situation sets a critical precedent for accountability at the highest levels of government.
