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Sri Lankan politicians across the political spectrum flocked to the Colombo Fort Magistrates’ Court today as former president Ranil Wickremesinghe appeared before proceedings linked to his arrest over the alleged misuse of state funds.
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Among those present was Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa, as well as former prime minister Dinesh Chandra Rupasinghe Gunawardena and former president Maithripala Sirisena. The unusual show of solidarity highlighted how Wickremesinghe’s detention has rattled Colombo’s political class, many of whom have rallied to his side.
Sri Lanka politicians across the political divide including former PM @DCRGunawardena arrive at the Colombo Fort Magistrates Court where ex president @RW_SRILANKA is produced. pic.twitter.com/5fbN6qeykN
— LankaFiles (@lankafiles) August 22, 2025
The court premises were packed with journalists, supporters and security officials, while hundreds of people gathered outside awaiting news on whether the former president would be granted bail. Proceedings were disrupted by a series of power cuts, further delaying the case.
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In parliament, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem condemned the manner of Wickremesinghe’s arrest, which he described as unbecoming for a former head of state.
“Everybody should be treated equally. But, when it comes to a former president, some courtesy – a minimum courtesy – should be extended,” he said, slamming the move as treating Wickremesinghe “like a common criminal.”
Meanwhile, international reactions also began to emerge. Mohamed Nasheed, the former president of the Maldives, posted on social media: “Very much looking forward to President Ranil Wickremesinghe returning home shortly.”
Wickremesinghe, who served as Sri Lanka’s head of state between 2022 and 2024, was arrested this week after presenting himself to the Criminal Investigation Department to record a statement. He is accused of using state funds for a private visit to London to attend his wife Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe’s university graduation ceremony.
Earlier this year, his former presidential secretary Saman Ekanayake and private secretary Sandra Perera were questioned over their roles in arranging the trip.
Wickremesinghe is the first former Sri Lankan head of state to be arrested.