Colombo, August 22, 2025: Sri Lanka’s former president Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested on Friday for allegedly misusing state funds, police confirmed.
The 76-year-old was taken into custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters after being summoned to record a statement. Investigators said the case relates to his alleged use of government funds to travel to England in September 2023 to attend a convocation ceremony of his wife, Prof Maithree.
According to police, Wickremesinghe was returning from an official visit to the United States when he diverted to the United Kingdom, reportedly at state expense, for the private engagement. CID officials had earlier questioned his staff about the travel arrangements and expenses.
Wickremesinghe, a veteran leader who served as Sri Lanka’s president from July 2022 to September 2024, is credited with steering the country out of its 2022 economic crisis. He had previously held the office of prime minister six times.
Police said further investigations are underway.
