Former President Ranil remanded until August 26

24-Aug-2025

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Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested by the CID on August 22 over allegations of misusing government funds during foreign travel.

He was charged under Sections 386 and 388—criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public property—non-bailable offences.

This marks the first time a former President has been arrested in Sri Lanka. He was produced before Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court around 3:00 p.m.

The case relates to his 2023 UN General Assembly trip to New York (Sept 22–23), followed by a private visit to London to attend his wife Maithri Wickremesinghe’s graduation at Wolverhampton University. 

Although officially invited, complaints were made that government funds were misused.

CID recorded statements from his secretary Saman Ekanayake and aide Sandra Perera. Ranil appeared before CID at 9 a.m., gave statements for 4 hours, and was arrested at 1:15 p.m.

In court, Additional Solicitor General Dileep Peiris explained that an internal inquiry followed a complaint lodged on 17-03-2025, later passed to police on 23-05-2025. After examining 33 witnesses, the CID named Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka’s 8th Executive President, as a suspect.

Due to strong opposition from the prosecution, bail was denied. He was remanded until 26 August.