Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested Friday after appearing before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Colombo. The arrest follows an investigation into allegations that he used approximately Rs. 17 million in state funds for a private overseas trip to London in September 2023.
The trip, which included attendance at a university graduation ceremony, reportedly for his wife, Maithree Wickramasinghe, was not listed as an official engagement. Investigators claim the expenses were covered by public money and involved a delegation of ten individuals.
Earlier this month, CID questioned Saman Ekanayake, former Presidential Secretary, and Sandra Perera, Wickremesinghe’s private secretary, regarding their roles in organizing the trip. Their testimonies reportedly contributed to the decision to detain the former president.
🔹 Historic Arrest
Wickremesinghe, who led Sri Lanka through its 2022–2024 economic crisis, is now the most senior political figure to be arrested in recent years. His detention is expected to intensify public and legal scrutiny over accountability and transparency in the use of government resources.
(source Newswire)
—Agencies
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