In a historic turn of events, Sri Lanka's former president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was arrested earlier today amid allegations of funds misuse. Police stated that Wickremesinghe is facing three charges related to his foreign trips during his tenure as president from 2022 to 2024. Appearing before a magistrates' court in Colombo, Wickremesinghe had previously given a statement to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and has since been remanded in custody after his bail application on health grounds was denied.

Wickremesinghe's presidency came during a tumultuous period following Sri Lanka's worst economic crisis, which triggered a popular uprising and forced his predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to flee the country. Recognized for his efforts toward economic recovery, Wickremesinghe has also been active in Sri Lankan politics since 1977, previously serving as prime minister multiple times.

Reports suggest that the arrest relates to a specific incident in 2023, when Wickremesinghe and his wife made a stopover in the UK on their return from a G77 summit in Cuba. The CID alleges that state funds were improperly utilized for what they claim was a private visit, a charge Wickremesinghe has denied. He is notably the first former president to face arrest in the country’s history, underscoring a significant shift in Sri Lanka's political paradigm.

Wickremesinghe has had a long career in politics, once leading the United National Party (UNP) and has seen varying levels of electoral success, including his latest role as president after the political upheaval of 2022. The details surrounding his arrest are likely to initiate widespread discussions regarding political accountability in Sri Lanka.