For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a former President has been arrested. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was taken into custody today by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) following his visit to their headquarters to provide a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation.
The investigation relates to Wickremesinghe’s visit to London in September 2023 to attend a graduation ceremony for his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe, during his tenure as President. Authorities allege that state funds were improperly used to cover certain aspects of the trip, including payments for his security detail and other official arrangements. Wickremesinghe, however, has maintained that his wife met her own travel expenses and that no state funds were used for personal purposes.
After recording his statement, Wickremesinghe was taken into custody and is expected to be produced before the Fort Magistrate’s Court shortly. The investigation had earlier seen the CID present evidence in court on June 24, and statements were recorded from individuals close to the former President, including his former private secretary Sandra Perera and former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake. The CID summoned Wickremesinghe to provide clarity regarding his role in the alleged misuse of state funds during the London visit.
The trip to London occurred while Wickremesinghe was returning from Havana, Cuba, where he had represented Sri Lanka at a G77 summit. His brief stop in the UK to attend the graduation ceremony has become a central point in the investigation due to allegations that government money was used for personal purposes during a private visit.
Wickremesinghe became President in July 2022, completing the remainder of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s term after Rajapaksa stepped down amid months of mass protests over alleged corruption and economic mismanagement. During his tenure, Wickremesinghe faced the difficult task of stabilizing a country reeling from political unrest and economic crisis. He later contested the 2024 presidential election but was defeated.
The University of Wolverhampton, where Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe attended her graduation ceremony, is a prominent public university located in the West Midlands, United Kingdom. Established in 1827 as a Mechanics’ Institute, it has grown into a modern institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines including health, business, arts, social sciences, and engineering. The university is known for its diverse and international student body, drawing students from over 140 countries, and for fostering academic excellence and innovation. Its strong reputation and global connections make it a prestigious venue for higher education achievements such as the graduation attended by the former President and his wife.
The arrest marks an unprecedented moment in Sri Lanka’s political history, highlighting the scrutiny and accountability faced by former leaders in the country. The case is expected to draw significant attention as Wickremesinghe appears before the Fort Magistrate’s Court and the investigation continues to unfold.
Historic First: Ex President Ranil Wickremesinghe Arrested by CID
