Arrest of Ranil Wickremesinghe Is Not Political Revenge: Minister Harshan Nanayakkara

27-Aug-2025

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The arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is not a matter of political revenge. 

Everyone will be treated equally before the law, and no one will receive special privileges, stated Minister of Justice and National Unity, legal expert Harshan Nanayakkara.

He made these remarks to the media following his participation in an event held in Colombo on August 25.

He further stated that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested under allegations of misappropriation of state funds. The country’s common law applies to all. 

Former presidents must also be subject to the law.

He emphasized that the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is not political retaliation. It is not unusual to label a court order against those who must be legally punished as political revenge.

The government has no necessity to take revenge on anyone. The judiciary operates independently, as do investigative agencies. Therefore, those raising criticisms may approach the court to present their case and seek justice.