August 22, 2025 — Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, 76, was arrested today by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with a high-profile corruption probe. The arrest marks a historic moment, making Wickremesinghe the first former head of state in Sri Lanka to be detained over allegations of financial misconduct.
He was remanded until 26 August, following a decision by the Colombo Fort Magistrates’ Court this evening.
Allegations of Misuse of Public Funds
Investigators allege that Rs. 16.9 million (approximately USD 50,000) in government funds were misappropriated to finance a private visit to London in September 2023. The trip coincided with a graduation ceremony at the University of Wolverhampton for Wickremesinghe’s wife, Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe. CID sources claim the visit was personal in nature and not part of any official state itinerary.
At the time, Wickremesinghe was on an official overseas tour, attending the G77 summit in Havana, Cuba, followed by engagements in the United States. The London leg was reportedly added as a detour, with no government meetings scheduled during the stopover.
Delegation, Expenses, and Controversy
According to CID findings, the Sri Lankan High Commission in London facilitated the travel arrangements, including airfare, hotel bookings, and delegation expenses. The former president was accompanied by a ten-member delegation, raising further questions about the scale and purpose of the visit.
In early 2025, Minister Bimal Rathnayake disclosed that a private butler had been hired at a rate of £1,000 per day during the London stay—an expense allegedly claimed under state funds.
CID officials confirmed that no official meetings were held in London, and the probe—launched in June 2025—has already seen former presidential secretary Saman Ekanayake and private secretary Sandra Perera questioned over their roles in organizing the trip.
Legal Charges and Implications
Wickremesinghe has been charged under Sections 386 and 388 of the Penal Code, which pertain to criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public property. These are non-bailable offenses, and the former president is expected to be produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.
The arrest has sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka’s political establishment, reigniting public debate over executive impunity, misuse of state resources, and the long-standing calls for accountability among political elites.