News365.lk By Staff Reporter
28 October 2025 The corruption case involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to be taken up at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (29 October 2025). The case concerns the alleged misuse of approximately Rs. 16.9 million in public funds during an official visit to the United Kingdom in late 2023.
Wickremesinghe was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on 22 August 2025, marking the first time in Sri Lanka’s history that a former Executive President has been arrested and remanded.
The investigation centres on allegations that public funds were misused to cover expenses for a foreign delegation accompanying the former President on an official trip that included visits to both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Court Proceedings and Bail
After his arrest, the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court initially ordered that Wickremesinghe be remanded until 26 August 2025. During this period, he was transferred from the prison hospital to the National Hospital of Sri Lankafollowing a deterioration in his health condition.
He was later admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and subsequently appeared before court via video conferencingdue to his medical situation. The court later granted bail, releasing him on three sureties of Rs. 5 million each.
A Historic Legal Development
The case represents a significant legal and political development, as Wickremesinghe is the first former Sri Lankan head of state to face arrest and remand over allegations of corruption.
Legal analysts describe the proceedings as a crucial test for Sri Lanka’s justice system and its commitment to accountability at the highest levels of government. The case has also sparked widespread public debate over governance, transparency, and the independence of investigative institutions.
Next Steps
The case is scheduled to resume tomorrow, where further submissions are expected from both the prosecution and defence regarding the progress of the CID investigation and the handling of financial records tied to the 2023 visit.
Court sources indicate that the hearing will determine whether the case will proceed to trial or if further clarifications are required before framing charges.
As the proceedings continue, the outcome is being closely watched both domestically and internationally as a measure of Sri Lanka’s resolve to address corruption within its political leadership.
