Wickremesinghe was taken into custody after providing a statement to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and has been remanded at a magistrates' court in Colombo. This arrest marks a significant moment in Sri Lankan politics, as he is the first ex-president to face such legal action.
Wickremesinghe, who held office from 2022 to 2024 amid the island's historic economic turmoil, was recognized for his role in aiding the nation’s recovery. However, his tenure has come under scrutiny due to alleged misuse of state funds for personal trips, including a controversial stop in the UK following a G77 summit in Cuba.
The 76-year-old former leader is accused of spending over Rs 600 million (around $2 million) on 23 foreign trips during his presidency. The CID alleges that his visit to attend a University of Wolverhampton ceremony in 2023 was unauthorized, a claim that Wickremesinghe has firmly denied.
Having been an influential figure in Sri Lankan politics since his first election as an MP in 1977, Wickremesinghe has served six terms as prime minister across different decades. Known for his legal expertise and political lineage, he has historically focused on reform and improving the image of the United National Party (UNP).
His political career faced significant challenges following the near-collapse of his party in the 2020 elections, with him emerging as the sole UNP representative in parliament. Despite his efforts to rebuild, he lost the subsequent 2024 election to leftist candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
As events unfold, the implications of Wickremesinghe's arrest on Sri Lanka’s political landscape will continue to be closely monitored.
Wickremesinghe, who held office from 2022 to 2024 amid the island's historic economic turmoil, was recognized for his role in aiding the nation’s recovery. However, his tenure has come under scrutiny due to alleged misuse of state funds for personal trips, including a controversial stop in the UK following a G77 summit in Cuba.
The 76-year-old former leader is accused of spending over Rs 600 million (around $2 million) on 23 foreign trips during his presidency. The CID alleges that his visit to attend a University of Wolverhampton ceremony in 2023 was unauthorized, a claim that Wickremesinghe has firmly denied.
Having been an influential figure in Sri Lankan politics since his first election as an MP in 1977, Wickremesinghe has served six terms as prime minister across different decades. Known for his legal expertise and political lineage, he has historically focused on reform and improving the image of the United National Party (UNP).
His political career faced significant challenges following the near-collapse of his party in the 2020 elections, with him emerging as the sole UNP representative in parliament. Despite his efforts to rebuild, he lost the subsequent 2024 election to leftist candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
As events unfold, the implications of Wickremesinghe's arrest on Sri Lanka’s political landscape will continue to be closely monitored.
