Key Facts
• August 22, 2025: Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, 76, arrested for alleged misuse of public funds.
• First-ever arrest of a former Sri Lankan president.
• Accused of three charges related to overseas travel during his presidency (2022–2024).
• Allegedly spent over 600 million Sri Lankan rupees (approx. $2.92 million) on 23 trips abroad.
• Arrest linked to a 2023 visit to the UK after attending the G77 Summit in Cuba.
• Authorities claim state funds were used for a private visit to a university event.
• Wickremesinghe denies allegations; investigation began in June 2025.
• Bail request citing health reasons was denied; he remains in custody.
• Wickremesinghe served as prime minister six times and led Sri Lanka during its worst economic crisis.
• Lost the 2024 presidential election to leftist incumbent Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Summary
Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested on August 22, 2025, over allegations of misusing public funds during his presidency from 2022 to 2024. This marks the first time a former president of Sri Lanka has been arrested. Authorities accuse Wickremesinghe of spending over 600 million rupees on 23 overseas trips, including a controversial visit to the UK in 2023, allegedly for private purposes. Despite his denial of the charges, his bail request was rejected, and he remains in custody. Wickremesinghe, a long-time political figure who served as prime minister six times, is credited with stabilizing Sri Lanka’s economy during a severe crisis but lost the 2024 presidential election. Investigations into the allegations began in June 2025.
