Former President's Stunning Downfall

In a dramatic turn of events, Sri Lanka’s former president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has been arrested on serious charges connected to alleged misuse of state funds during his presidency. The police confirmed the arrest, which has sent shockwaves throughout the nation.

Charges Linked to Controversial Foreign Trips

Wickremesinghe now faces three charges specifically related to his extensive travels abroad while in office. Having served as president from 2022 to 2024, his term came during one of Sri Lanka’s most turbulent periods, marked by an economic crisis that led to widespread protests and the flight of his predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

A Courtroom Drama Unfolds

On Friday, the 76-year-old politician appeared at a magistrates court in Colombo. Earlier that day, he had already provided a statement to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), further fueling public interest. Reports indicate that he undertook 23 international trips at a staggering expense of over Rs 600 million (approximately $2 million or £1.4 million).

The Controversial UK Stopover

This arrest centers around a particular incident in 2023 when Wickremesinghe stopped in the UK after attending a G77 summit in Cuba. During this stop, he and his wife attended an event at the University of Wolverhampton, which has raised eyebrows. The CID claims this visit was unnecessarily funded by the state, a charge Wickremesinghe vehemently denies.

A Political Legacy in Question

Making history, Wickremesinghe becomes the first former president to be arrested in Sri Lanka, marking a significant moment in the nation’s political landscape. His career spans decades, beginning with his election as an MP in 1977. Known for transforming the image of the United National Party (UNP), he introduced strict measures against corruption when he took leadership in 1994.

Struggles and Triumphs

Though he faced setbacks, including losing nearly all his party's seats in the 2020 elections—leaving him as the only UNP representative in parliament—Wickremesinghe finally claimed the presidency in 2022. However, this was short-lived, as he lost the 2024 election to the leftist candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Public Sentiment and Future Implications

As Wickremesinghe's legal troubles unfold, the public reaction remains mixed. Supporters credit him with guiding Sri Lanka towards economic recovery, while critics view his arrest as a long-overdue accountability measure. Whatever the outcome, this incident could have lasting repercussions for the political landscape of Sri Lanka.