Sri Lanka’s Ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe Arrested Over Alleged Rs 17 Million Misuse for London Trip
Ranil Wickremesinghe, the former president of Sri Lanka is arrested by the CID. This happens after being interrogated on claims that he uses Rs 17 million in public funds for a private trip to London.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) August 22: The Criminal inquiry Department (CID) arrests the former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday. This happens after he was called to make a statement as part of an inquiry. The inquiry is into the alleged misappropriation of public funds by him.
Probe focuses on London trip for graduation ceremony in 2023
The investigation focuses on a trip to the United Kingdom to attend a university graduation ceremony in London. It also concerns a private overseas trip that allegedly involves ten people. It includes the former president on September 22 and 23, 2023. Although the visit is said to have been personal, state monies totaling about Rs 17 million were used.
Statements recorded from former presidential aides in inquiry
CID records statements from Sandra Perera. He was Wickremesinghe's private secretary during his term. They also record the statements of Saman Ekanayake. He is the former secretary to the president.
According to sources, Wickremesinghe tells the CID via his attorneys that he will show up on Friday after receiving a call from them on Tuesday. He appears before the investigators today, and his statement was captured on tape.
Wickremesinghe was taken into custody by Sri Lanka's Criminal inquiry Department (CID) at its Colombo headquarters. This happens after being called to provide a statement as part of an inquiry into his actions.
Wickremesinghe to be produced before Colombo Fort Magistrate Court
The former Sri Lankan president has been arrested. He is scheduled to appear before the Colombo Fort Magistrate Court soon.
A top police investigator states, "We are producing him before the Colombo Fort magistrate." He adds that they are pressing charges for utilizing public resources for private gain.
Wickremesinghe’s arrest marks rare action against senior political figure
He is the most senior political figure to be arrested in recent years. It is anticipated that Wickremesinghe's imprisonment will increase scrutiny of senior officials' use of public cash.
After months of demonstrations against Gotabaya Rajapaksa's alleged corruption and poor management, Rajapaksa resigned in July 2022. After him, Ranil Wickremesinghe took over as president for the balance of his term.
