Former Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe has been remanded in custody until 26 August, following a decision by the Colombo Fort Magistrates’ Court this evening.
He was escorted to Welikada prison in handcuffs by Sri Lankan police officers this evening after his bail application was denied.
The 76-year-old former president has reportedly been admitted into the prison hospital on the advice of doctors.
Wickremesinghe, who served as head of state from 2022 to 2024 and was a six-time prime minister, was arrested earlier today by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over allegations that he misused state funds to finance a private trip to London during his presidency. The visit included attending the graduation ceremony of his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe.
Appearing before court today, Wickremesinghe’s legal counsel argued that detaining the former president posed a serious risk to his security and health, and petitioned for bail to be granted. The request was denied, with magistrates ruling that Wickremesinghe would remain in custody until Tuesday.
Outside the court, hundreds of supporters gathered, chanting in anger as the remand order was announced. Among those present were senior political figures, including Namal Rajapaksa, former president Maithripala Sirisena, and former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, who had earlier visited court in a show of solidarity.
There were chaotic scenes as Wickremesinghe was escorted away.
President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, appeared for Wickremesinghe, stating he is "76 years old, suffering from heart disease for seven years, as well as diabetes and hypertension".
"For the first time today, it is revealed that his wife is a cancer patient. They have no children and depend solely on each other. He is scheduled to be the chief guest at the Commonwealth Youth Council in India on August 24. Prison is not a safe place for a former President. I therefore respectfully request Your Honour to release my client on suitable bail conditions.”
The judge ruled against Wickremesinghe.
The arrest of the former president marks the first time a former head of state has ever been detained on the island. Sri Lankan Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem condemned the manner of Wickremesinghe’s detention as “unbecoming” and akin to treating him “like a common criminal.” Former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed also voiced support, stating he looked forward to Wickremesinghe’s “return home shortly.”
Wickremesinghe will remain in remand prison until 26 August, when the case is scheduled to be reviewed once more.