Sri Lanka’s former president Ranil Wickremesinghe was taken to intensive care on Saturday. His transfer came just a day after his arrest on corruption charges.
Wickremesinghe’s Health Scare
The 76-year-old was moved from prison to Colombo National Hospital after his health worsened. Doctors said he was suffering from acute dehydration, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
The hospital deputy director Rukshan Bellana explained: “He must be closely observed to prevent serious complications.”
Despite the emergency, doctors later confirmed that his condition was stable.
Opposition Criticizes Arrest
Wickremesinghe was detained on Friday as part of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s anti-corruption campaign. Opposition lawmakers, however, accused the government of acting out of fear.
“He remains in good spirits and has called for unity,” opposition MP Nalin Bandara said after visiting him in prison.
The United National Party (UNP) also condemned the move. Party General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala claimed: “They fear he could return to power, and that is why he was jailed.”
Charges and Penalties
Authorities accused Wickremesinghe of using state funds during a private UK visit in September 2023. Officials estimate the misused amount at 16.6 million rupees ($55,000).
The trip followed the G77 summit in Havana and the UN General Assembly in New York. He allegedly used the stopover to attend a ceremony where his wife, Maithree, received an honorary professorship.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to three times the alleged sum. Wickremesinghe insists his wife covered her own costs and no state funds were misused.
Political Background
Wickremesinghe became president in July 2022 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned during mass protests. However, he lost the 2024 presidential election to Dissanayake.
Despite defeat, he has stayed active in politics, which critics say explains the government’s actions against him.
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