Ranil Wickremesinghe Faces Court After Historic Arrest Over Misuse of State Funds

Colombo, August 22, 2025 – Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, arrested earlier today by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), is set to be produced before the Fort Magistrate’s Court in connection with allegations of misusing state funds.

The probe relates to Wickremesinghe’s September 2023 trip to London, where he attended the University of Wolverhampton graduation ceremony of his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe. Investigators allege that government money was spent on travel and security arrangements.

Wickremesinghe, however, denies the charges, stating that no public funds were used and that his wife covered her own expenses.

Four-Hour Statement Before CID

The former President was arrested after giving a four-hour statement to investigators. CID had earlier submitted evidence to the Fort Magistrate’s Court and recorded statements from Sandra Perera, his former private secretary, and Saman Ekanayake, his former presidential secretary.

A First in Sri Lanka’s History

Wickremesinghe’s arrest is unprecedented – making him the first former head of state in Sri Lanka to be taken into custody by law enforcement.

He assumed office in July 2022, following Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation, and later lost his re-election bid in September 2024.

Government Reaction

Speaking in Parliament, Minister of National Security Ananda Wijepala said:

“Our government pledged to bring all wrongdoers before justice, regardless of the positions they held. We have kept that promise.”

He further noted that investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, and the assault on journalist Keith Noyahr are progressing.

Tight Security at Fort Magistrate’s Court

Security has been heightened around the Fort Magistrate’s Court ahead of Wickremesinghe’s appearance. His legal team had already prepared for the possibility of an arrest, following a CID request earlier this week.