In a dramatic turn of events, Sri Lanka’s former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has found himself on the wrong side of the law, being arrested for allegedly misusing government funds during his time in office. The arrest took place on 22 August 2024, as Wickremesinghe arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office in Colombo to make a statement regarding a controversial visit to London.
Allegations of Misuse
The police claim that Wickremesinghe misappropriated state resources for a personal trip to attend his wife’s graduation ceremony at the University of Wolverhampton in September 2023. Despite his assertions that the expenses were privately funded, the CID is asserting that public funds were diverted for his travel and bodyguards.
- Arrest Date: 22 August 2024
- Event: Attended wife’s graduation while serving as President
- Allegations: Misuse of state resources for personal gain
Political Backdrop
Wickremesinghe’s rise to presidency in July 2022 followed a tumultuous period marked by widespread protests against his predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, over severe economic mismanagement. His administration has been credited with stabilising the economy following the devastating financial crisis, but his legacy is marred by stringent austerity measures that sparked public discontent.
Election Setbacks
After taking the reins in a challenging environment, Wickremesinghe faced a significant political setback when he finished third in the September 2023 presidential election, losing to Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa. This election was viewed as a referendum on his leadership during the crisis.
The arrest is a significant turning point not only for Wickremesinghe but also for Sri Lankan politics, as the nation continues to recover from its economic turmoil. His court appearance later today could set the tone for future political developments in the country.