Sri Lanka's former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been remanded in custody until August 26, 2025, over allegations of misusing state funds during his presidency. The Colombo Magistrate's Court ordered his arrest and remand after he was questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). This marks the first time in Sri Lanka's history that a former head of state has been arrested and remanded.

The allegations stem from a trip Wickremesinghe made to London in September 2023, while serving as president. Investigators claim that the visit, which coincided with his wife's graduation ceremony at the University of Wolverhampton, was a personal detour disguised as an official trip. Prosecutors allege that Wickremesinghe authorized the use of approximately Rs. 16.9 million (around $50,000) in public funds for airfare, accommodation, and security for a delegation of ten people. They further argue that no official government meetings or bilateral engagements occurred during the London visit, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the expenses.

Senior State Counsel Dileepa Pieris argued in court that the invitation to the ceremony came from a private university and could not be classified as a state event. He also revealed that initial documents described the trip as "private" before being revised to simply "visit". Wickremesinghe's legal team, led by President's Counsel Anuja Premaratne, countered by citing.

Wickremesinghe, who served as president from July 2022 to September 2024, has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that his wife covered her own expenses and that no state funds were misused. His party has also denied any misuse of state funds in connection with the visit. He had traveled to the UK from the U.S. after completing state engagements in Cuba and New York.

The arrest comes under the administration of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who has pledged to crack down on corruption and hold political leaders accountable. Several senior politicians and officials have been arrested in recent months as part of the government's efforts to probe corruption. Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament that the law was being "applied equally" to everyone.

The court proceedings were briefly delayed due to a power outage. Former President Maithripala Sirisena and other opposition figures were present at the Colombo Magistrate Court premises.

This is the second major setback for Wickremesinghe recently. Last month, Sri Lanka's Supreme Court ruled that the State of Emergency declared by him in 2022 was unconstitutional. Despite these challenges, Wickremesinghe is regarded by some as the architect of Sri Lanka's recovery from its economic crisis.