Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrested

22 August 2025 01:34 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 111 Bookmark

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Colombo, August 22 (Daily Mirror) - Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested today by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) after arriving to record a statement over allegations of misusing state funds.

The probe concerns his September 2023 visit to London to attend a University of Wolverhampton graduation ceremony for his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe, during which investigators claim government money was used for travel and security expenses.

Former President Wickremesinghe has denied the charges, insisting that his wife bore her own costs and no public funds were misused. The CID had earlier presented evidence to the Fort Magistrate’s Court and recorded statements from his former private secretary Sandra Perera and former presidential secretary Saman Ekanayake.

He was taken into custody this morning after giving his over four-hour long statement and is expected to be produced before the Fort Magistrate’s Court shortly.

Wickremesinghe, who assumed the presidency in July 2022 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation and lost re-election in September 2024, is now the first former President in Sri Lanka’s history to be arrested.

Comments - 111

NS Friday, 22 August 2025 01:38 PM

RIP Sri Lanka

71 17

ICC Friday, 22 August 2025 07:35 PM

The Fox one day caught up by Tiger. M.any Times Thief get caught once

0 8

Zarook Wednesday, 27 August 2025 10:37 AM

PKD turn will come.

1 1

Mizaru Friday, 22 August 2025 01:39 PM

Asking hitting! Well done. My vote for the NPP not wasted .

117 271

Rogue Friday, 22 August 2025 02:35 PM

YAY!!!!! I can hear firecrackers around here. About time he is made to answer for his crimes.

21 55

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 22 August 2025 04:47 PM

Yes, excellent vote, the underworld and drugloards are thriving .

51 32

Zak Friday, 22 August 2025 06:34 PM

You idoit !

5 21

Cisco Friday, 22 August 2025 01:41 PM

Oops what a situation. How suda predicted is the issue.

20 155

Lalith Amerasena Friday, 22 August 2025 02:26 PM

Suda is one of the advisors of AKD government.

17 28

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 22 August 2025 04:49 PM

Because Shani has promised to clean dishes at Sudda place.

16 26

mohamed Friday, 22 August 2025 01:41 PM

well done keep him for few months

78 186

Tilny Friday, 22 August 2025 01:44 PM

Why not arrest minister Kumar Jayakody for $8m fraud?

13 41

slcitizen Friday, 22 August 2025 01:44 PM

May well become international news.. Defeated himself instead of SJB..

26 133

Jilbuh Friday, 22 August 2025 01:45 PM

Batalanda karma is following him. Whatever the reason is immaterial as long as there's some payback.

58 360

Justice for all Friday, 22 August 2025 02:03 PM

On that note, the JVP must also compensate all those who lost businesses and assets during the riots.

62 30

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 22 August 2025 04:48 PM

Justice for 88 89 victims ?

47 25

Pantha Kumaran Friday, 22 August 2025 01:46 PM

Good News. Keep in Prison for a long period.

10 34

Nimal 1 Friday, 22 August 2025 01:47 PM

He deserves this and much much more.

15 39

GAMARALA Friday, 22 August 2025 01:52 PM

I LIKE NPP GOVERNMENT

82 217

Lalinda Amunugama Friday, 22 August 2025 02:12 PM

All gamarala's like NPP government

36 22

Avanka Perera Friday, 22 August 2025 01:59 PM

Very good excellent the rouviner of the country who protected rouges well done. We citizens are so so happy

10 32

Janaka Friday, 22 August 2025 01:59 PM

JVP is going to have a tsunami of enemies. Should watch their backs

12 29

6.9M Friday, 22 August 2025 02:00 PM

Sad how quickly people forget.. Would the present govt have had a country left today to govern if not for RW, the only one who stepped up when all others ran away?

46 43

Observer Thursday, 28 August 2025 01:22 PM

90 % for his own sake to keep the privileges which he used to last 50 years .

0 0

Rene Friday, 22 August 2025 02:00 PM

Best new I heard in my entire life

16 43

Gerard Friday, 22 August 2025 06:45 PM

Man you are having a sad life, if this is the best thing that you have heard!

17 22

Run Kekulu Friday, 22 August 2025 02:04 PM

We need to really standby this government despite certain shortcomings. They are putting this country back on track holding gradually holding once powerful politicians accountable for their misdeeds.

21 43

Aruna Kumarasinghe Friday, 22 August 2025 02:05 PM

Disgrace so called Mr. Clean. Disgrace indeed

10 28

Kangaroo court Friday, 22 August 2025 02:07 PM

How about misused funds by MR

3 38

Siripala Friday, 22 August 2025 02:09 PM

Beginning of the end of the system change.

23 12

Weda Rala Friday, 22 August 2025 02:09 PM

NPPs gift for RW for getting the country out of bankruptcy. Shane on you AKD

62 24

මෝඩ කැලුම් Friday, 22 August 2025 07:16 PM

Who's Shane? Someone known to you?

1 40

S.P.Ramkumar Friday, 22 August 2025 02:11 PM

Good. All are equal under Law.

5 30

Naushad Friday, 22 August 2025 02:12 PM

Even keeping him behind bars for 1 hour is enough. He was boasting , he knows politics better than anyone in Sri Lanka,. now at least for moment he will realize that he is answerable for what he was playing with.

8 31

Tilak Friday, 22 August 2025 02:15 PM

Grand show! The gallery will love it. Bravado!

1 21

sunil vijaya Friday, 22 August 2025 02:17 PM

moover eliyata danner epa - keep him in jail for lif! how he plundered the tax payers money - going to his mother country england!!!

9 20

Grace Friday, 22 August 2025 02:17 PM

OMG. What happened to the formally self- proclaimed Hitler. A good lesson to those who think they can hoodwink the mother nature.

7 18

Kumara Friday, 22 August 2025 02:19 PM

Anyone who authorises the killing of an innocent Sri Lankan will be punished by God (I call this karma). What is going to happen to white van killers suring Rajapakse era!

6 17

Dr pacha doctor Friday, 22 August 2025 02:21 PM

Ranil has never in his life ever done anything useful for our nation. The fault for his crime though is those who elected him to the post of President. Even those who allowed him to parliament through national seat are responsible for the criminal activity.

16 30

Dr.Banda Iya Friday, 22 August 2025 02:22 PM

Don't forget to feed him organic vegetables because he is fond of them.

6 17

TKD Friday, 22 August 2025 02:22 PM

Whatever criticisms may exist, the fact remains that he saved Sri Lanka from the economic crisis. People in the country are able to live today because of the bold decisions he made, as even the former Treasury Secretary acknowledged in his final interview. That said, if he has done anything wrong, then the law must apply to him as well. However, it raises serious questions as to why the JVP minister was not arrested, or why no investigations have been initiated against other ministers such as Wasantha, despite complaints being made. This selective approach suggests that the government is engaged in a politically motivated witch hunt, particularly in light of the rumours that he was working towards a strong opposition outside parliament.

34 30

Zak Friday, 22 August 2025 02:25 PM

Love the NPP gov ! Way to go

15 28

CitizenP Friday, 22 August 2025 02:26 PM

Take action against this man ,not holding local goverment elections

6 19

sunil Friday, 22 August 2025 02:26 PM

next breaking news would be RW released

4 11

Tharanga Friday, 22 August 2025 02:27 PM

Have a good weekend Sir

4 11

History will repeat Friday, 22 August 2025 02:28 PM

JVP will be chased away by people very soon

31 24

Rip Winkle Friday, 22 August 2025 02:28 PM

Genuinely delighted!!!! The judiciary is finally unafraid and independent!

10 23

Asmodeus Friday, 22 August 2025 02:28 PM

It's so funny, how it is that YouTuber Sudha knew that Ranil was about to be arrested.

8 18

Realistica Adams Friday, 22 August 2025 02:31 PM

About time this crooked dictator was arrested. This might be the start of arrests for things this guy has done during the past 40 years. It is also a good lesson for the current President, PM Ministers that the LAW IS EQUAL to EVERY CITIZEN of SL. This is called SYSTEM CHANGE.

12 26

Nbgfhjgggj Friday, 22 August 2025 02:33 PM

Super duper, first time in Srilanka""s history, RW has got arrested, it's good for him to do a tour inside, do a little bit of fitness exercises with duminda silva. Any way enjoy your tour to magazine.

12 21

Danny Friday, 22 August 2025 02:33 PM

Now former royal baby must be sweating while. The rugby player rolling in the grave.

5 15

Amal Friday, 22 August 2025 02:44 PM

what happened Mr. protector of Rajapassa...

3 14

Lalantha Amerasena Friday, 22 August 2025 02:48 PM

Hats off to NPP government for detecting one of the massive frauds of RW's government.

15 16

LMAO Friday, 22 August 2025 09:03 PM

What are the doing about the mega massive frauds of the Rajapakses. MR and his clan must be hooting and laughing at how stupid the Sri Lankan public is!

1 0

Migara Kaluwila Friday, 22 August 2025 02:48 PM

Why not go after Mahinda and his clan. If NPP is serious of corruption. NPP knows they can’t touch Mahinda and as for Ranil, he is not a threat so goes after him.

8 13

Ihateidiots Friday, 22 August 2025 02:48 PM

2 hrs later "President Ranil Wickremesinghe granted bail"

4 7

Ram P Friday, 22 August 2025 02:56 PM

If arrested for batelanda issues I am 100% for the arrest. As President if I have to attend any personal function security must be provided when I am visiting. I also use the government vehicle provided for the occasion. This overseas visit is also something similar. Only issue is if he denied when some of his officials have admitted that is no good. If money was used for his wife's ticket that cannot be good. At this rate all the past Parliamentarians will have to be arrested. Hope he will receive bail

8 9

මහ බැංකු හොරා Friday, 22 August 2025 02:57 PM

Should have been arrested long time ago for the bond scam. Hope the government will bring Wasantha Samarasinghe before the law.

6 17

TAX PAYER 52 YEARS Friday, 22 August 2025 09:04 PM

GO AFTER THE CULPRITS OF THE FUEL HEDGING DEAL SCAM...HAS EVERY SRI LANKAN FORGOTTEN THE PAST? LOOKS LIKE SRI LANKAN CITIZENRY ARE DEMENTIA PATIENTS...

0 0

john frazer Friday, 22 August 2025 02:57 PM

I dont think they can touch Rajapaksha at all

6 7

Danny Friday, 22 August 2025 08:09 PM

All paths leading there!!

0 1

Sobers Friday, 22 August 2025 03:05 PM

Very good. Law should be applicable for everyone. Politicians have robbed this country. Now Mr.Clean is in trouble.

4 12

White Friday, 22 August 2025 03:08 PM

SUDA JAYAWEWAA!!! Forever SUDA SUDA.

7 5

Willows Drive Friday, 22 August 2025 03:09 PM

The beginning of the beginning

2 10

RanjithT Friday, 22 August 2025 03:12 PM

I can see the hatred from the comments. He shouldn't have taken to baton from GR turned a USD 20m reserve to USD 6.3 billion. If what the gullible supporters wanted was to put MR/RW/GR in jail they are achieving it. Nothing more to say.

8 6

Ravi K Friday, 22 August 2025 03:15 PM

This will pay way for other presidents wrong doings in the past will get punished as well

1 15

Head Friday, 22 August 2025 03:16 PM

CHAMARA SAMPATH MP DONKEY BRAIN. NOT ONLY SUDA SO MANY CITIZENS PREDICTED. THESE HUMAN NATURE ELECTION TIME MAHINDA OUT ANURA IN SO MANY CITIZENS INFORMED PALA BRAINLESS FELLOW.

3 6

Christo255 Friday, 22 August 2025 03:34 PM

This is pure political victimisation of a man who saved the country from total anarchy. We are with RW

20 15

Nihal S Friday, 22 August 2025 03:35 PM

Rajapakses must be getting ready too. They all though they are above the law. Thanks to the new rulers.

8 13

Nobody Friday, 22 August 2025 03:36 PM

NPP crossed a line that they should not have without thinking of long term implications… The impact of this will have long term ramifications for NPP

16 14

Dr. Tissa Fernando Friday, 22 August 2025 03:38 PM

This is how a country should be run where the rule of law applies equally to everyone. Instead of one rule for the general public and none for the elite.

9 13

Nimal R Friday, 22 August 2025 03:42 PM

During his Yahapalanaya, he got arrested several politicians like Namal rajapakse, Wimala Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila etc. So why not him, now?

3 10

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 22 August 2025 03:44 PM

Love NPP now you talking Gota and Mahinda next

8 14

Lion Friday, 22 August 2025 03:49 PM

AKD promised supremacy of law will be maintained throughly if is appointed , so no one should grumble when he is discharging what he has promised

4 12

Dr Soori Maripalan Friday, 22 August 2025 03:50 PM

Although this is too late, well done the system! This man must be there a long time ago! An unelected, refused man became a prez to destroy public funds! What a shame!

4 13

Ceylonese Friday, 22 August 2025 03:55 PM

I am not a supporter of Ranil, having said this, Ranil could be cocky but he is not a thief, what he has been accused is such a pettey thing, hope he is not been charged as a revenge.

13 13

Seeya= Maina=Gota= CBK= MS.... Friday, 22 August 2025 04:08 PM

Birds of a Feather in Remand together. Other than the Boot lickers and Assistant rogues all Sri Lankans should rejoice this day. We never thought we would see this day. Jayaweva

4 11

Russel Harmmer Friday, 22 August 2025 04:09 PM

No difference between Hora Mahinda, Hora Gota and Hora Basil, Ranil too is in that list and he deserves this punishment.

6 14

Asrar Friday, 22 August 2025 04:09 PM

Akila also trying to join Ranil at walikada before Sargala

2 10

Prof. K.M.M Mohamed Aziz Friday, 22 August 2025 04:12 PM

Hats off AKD and NPP Govt. you all promised to arrest the rogues of SLPP and UNP and it is done now. Thanks for fulfilling your promises.

6 16

Edward Dalpachitra Friday, 22 August 2025 04:12 PM

Very strange that the Government owned Daily News doesn't even mention it. Will Ranil be acquitted? Is this move merely to show that the Government keeps its promises?

8 6

Dr. R.P. Sunil Ratnayake Friday, 22 August 2025 04:15 PM

Oh My God.... One billion for this London trip by Ranil from the public money. What a curse.

5 12

fact check Friday, 22 August 2025 08:25 PM

Don't spread false information. It is around Rs. 16 million.

2 0

Samantha Friday, 22 August 2025 04:22 PM

Wait and see what going to happened to this JVP regime. It is not difficult for us to chase you out from the office.Wait and see. Anura kumara and his jokers may have to pay the price soon. India also watching. Will see. People are not happy.

19 11

When for MR SR NR RR YR Friday, 22 August 2025 04:24 PM

When is the D-Day for MR SR NR RR YR?

3 12

All idiots Friday, 22 August 2025 04:24 PM

He should have been summoned to court and asked to submit a complete account of all his travels during his tenure, as simple as that. The judiciary are still in the dark ages and need to crawl out of the dungeons they practice from.

8 4

Nuwan Friday, 22 August 2025 04:26 PM

Super! Serves him right for his arrogance.

6 11

Riz vegga Friday, 22 August 2025 04:37 PM

Small money big price....Big money no price lankan style go you ...good thing..

1 5

Aquarius Friday, 22 August 2025 04:38 PM

Trying to portray he is "Mr. Clean", he used legal loopholes and got away with too many big and bad things. These things (karma) always catch up and this may just be the beginning. Hats off to the CID for their brave decision, could never have been possible under any previous government.

5 19

Jayantha Mendis Friday, 22 August 2025 04:46 PM

Clean Sri Lanka is on track.

7 15

eddy Friday, 22 August 2025 04:55 PM

NPP is trying cheaply to keep its supporters moral high. It will boomerang for them rather soon.

15 10

Andare Friday, 22 August 2025 05:01 PM

and now ALL the rajapaksa's please..

4 9

Jagath Leanage Friday, 22 August 2025 05:09 PM

Truth and Justice has become reality in Sri Lanka now.

7 11

Ahamed A Friday, 22 August 2025 05:16 PM

Misplaced priorities. More urgent issues not attended.

8 8

Anthony Friday, 22 August 2025 05:41 PM

ALL CAN GIVE THEIR REMARKS BUT WHEN THE COUNTRY WAS IN DANGER IT WAS RANIL WHO WAS ABLE TO LIFT THE COUNTRY WHICH ALL HAVE FORGOTTEN, TAKE IT FROM NOW THIS IS THE DOWNFALL OF NPP SINCE THEY CAME INTO POWER BECAUSE OF RANIL AND FOLLOWING ALL HIS FOUNDATIONS WHICH HE LAID DOWN. THE WHO WORLD WILL STAND BY RANIL.

18 11

Vadivelu Yogaratnam Friday, 22 August 2025 05:46 PM

Good no-one above the Law. Only way to make country discipline civilised.

5 15

DHA Friday, 22 August 2025 05:46 PM

He's out on bail, what a time wasting drama!

5 9

Anthony Friday, 22 August 2025 05:47 PM

TODAY WE HAVE A PARLIMENT BECAUSE OF RANIL AND BY THIS NPP WAS ABLE TO COME INTO POWER. ALL HAVE BEEN FORGOTTEN.

12 14

karu Friday, 22 August 2025 05:50 PM

It is not a big deal , arresting a person. It is importat what is trying to solve here. and the impact for the society. He will easily pay the fine and get rid of this. But this will divert public attention to another direction . Daily baila.

8 9

Abuse of Public funds and financial fraud Friday, 22 August 2025 06:04 PM

No, cannot pay fine and escape. It is similar case to Chandrasrna brother and wife, abuse of public funds

1 10

Ravi K Friday, 22 August 2025 05:51 PM

Where will he sleep tonight? On the floor or to be transferred out to hospital bed as usual. I’m sure suddenly all unknown illnesses will surface today

2 11

Mr FERDINAND Friday, 22 August 2025 06:08 PM

he knew very well he is doing some thing wrong ,and that is the point we all have to learn, he went to a very good school, if that is what he learned from ROYAL COLLEGE then it is a disgrace to the college and same applies to MAHINDA,may be NAMAL had no education at all

3 10

Sabaratnam Ravindran Friday, 22 August 2025 06:34 PM

Please go after more serious matters not being vindictive on small matters

12 6

james Friday, 22 August 2025 07:43 PM

AKD takes government vehicles to his village in Thabuthegama all the time so he can shine among the villagers. These trips should be audited too

2 1

wickrama Wijayasiri Friday, 22 August 2025 07:50 PM

People who are hero-worshipping in here, NPP has done very little in this matter. They are not interfering with the judiciary and law enforcement as it used to be for the past almost 75 years. This is a case of misappropriation of nearly a billion rupees by the supreme leader of the country, who had the means to pay for it. It was not for simple air tickets for two, including hotel bills for a useless personal matter. Lying about is the icing on the cake.

4 1

Nation Friday, 22 August 2025 08:09 PM

NPP caters to the gallery and came to power with the gallery votes. This is to be expected. I'm no fan of RW but political revenge should stop. Majority of Sri Lankans are very vindictive! Wonder how long the NPP government would last.

2 2

Observer Saturday, 23 August 2025 01:44 AM

I was a firm believer of Ranil decades long. Last time voted for Anura after seeing MR/ GR and Ranil sitting in the same boat. I just want to say , there are millions . We are not NPP gallery voters .

0 0

Dilakshan Senevirathne Friday, 22 August 2025 08:57 PM

What kind of disgusting act is this? I thought AKD was much better but he appears to be the worst. I am not Ranil fan, but didn't they find a better reason for case? My vote to NPP was utterly wasted.

2 5

Araliya Bandara Friday, 22 August 2025 09:39 PM

Maybe it was the only case for which the Government had evidence. That's why the Rajapakses are still free,the Government needs evidence so strong that it cannot be contradicted in court.

0 1

Indra Dasa Saturday, 23 August 2025 06:50 AM

ALL of those recent actions by responsible government agencies in Sri Lanka indicate that the country is on the way forward . Now all of those actions by law and order agencies as well as judiciary show that the government is on the right path by giving total independence to the all agencies and authorities to work according to the law . This showed to the nation NO ONE ABOVE the law and Could NOT be used tax payers money for individual purposes OR could not misused the political power for personal gains .

2 0

Logeswaran Saturday, 23 August 2025 02:37 PM

It is true that Mr Wickramesinghe saved the country from the mismangemnt of the previous government . I was a former goverment accountant . Corruption has been widesspread in Sri Lanka from Top To Bottom. no one loves mother lanka specially politicians . Ranil could have paid his private expeses incurred on his way to official duty as Country was facing economic difficulties. At least he could have reimbursed to the government after commencement of inquiry . NPP has done well so far uniting the country and improvement of economy. All of the govermnet misisters are well educated first time in Sri Lanka , before Pilliyan , Devananda were ministers . We have to salute the Judges of Sri lanka who did well in combating the corruption. Now on most people will think twice before doing corruption.

0 2

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