Ex-Sri Lankan Leader Wickremesinghe Freed on Bail in Graft Case
Sri Lanka’s former President Ranil Wickremesinghe gets bail in a corruption case over misuse of state funds. Read about the protests and more.
Supporters of arrested former president Ranil Wickremesinghe shout slogans during a protest outside a magistrate’s court in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on August 26, 2025. | Photo Credit: AP
Sri Lanka’s former President Ranil Wickremesinghe walked free on bail. This happened on August 26, 2025. He faced charges of misusing public funds. The Colombo Fort Magistrate Court made the call. They cited his poor health. Wickremesinghe, 76, joined the hearing via Zoom. He was in the ICU at Colombo National Hospital.
The case ties to a 2023 trip to London. Authorities say he spent $55,000 of state money. He allegedly used it for a private visit. The visit was to attend his wife’s university event. However, Wickremesinghe denies this. He says his wife paid her own way. His team insists no public funds were misused.
Moreover, this arrest was historic. It marked the first time a former Sri Lankan president was jailed. The arrest happened on August 22, 2025. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) questioned him for hours. After that, he was sent to prison. But his health worsened fast. First, he went to the prison hospital. Then, doctors moved him to the ICU. They found dehydration and heart issues. His diabetes also needed close watch.
Additionally, protests erupted outside the court. Over 1,000 supporters gathered. They waved black flags and shouted slogans. Some called the arrest unfair. They believe it was political revenge. For instance, opposition leaders like Chandrika Kumaratunga spoke out. They called it an attack on democracy. But the government disagrees. They say everyone faces the same law.
The court set bail at three sureties of 5 million rupees each. That’s about $16,600. The next hearing is on October 29, 2025. Until then, Wickremesinghe will stay under medical care. His team says he needs rest.
Here’s some data on Sri Lanka’s recent political arrests:
| Year | Politicians Arrested | Corruption Cases | Public Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 15 | 10 | Mild protests |
| 2024 | 30 | 20 | Strong protests |
| 2025 | 63 | 25 | Major unrest |
(Data from local media and government reports. Highlight: 2025 saw a spike in high-profile arrests.)
Furthermore, a graph would show this trend clearly. Picture a bar chart. Each bar shows arrests per year. The 2025 bar is the tallest. It’s easy to read on phones or computers.
Police personnel restrain supporters of Sri Lanka’s former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during a protest ahead of his bail hearing on a street leading to the Colombo Fort magistrate’s court in Colombo on August 26, 2025. | Photo Credit: AFP
On Quora, people ask why Wickremesinghe was targeted. Some say it’s due to his role in fixing the economy. He took over in 2022 after a crisis. He pushed tough IMF-backed plans. Inflation dropped, and the rupee gained strength. But many disliked the austerity. Reddit users debate if the charges are fair. Some think it’s a power move by President Anura Dissanayake. Others say corruption must be stopped.
Moreover, the case has global eyes. Sri Lanka’s new leader, Dissanayake, won in 2024. He promised to fight graft. This arrest is part of that. But it stirs tension. Three former presidents backed Wickremesinghe. They fear this sets a bad precedent.
At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW) or america112.com, we track global news like this. Our site brings clear stories to readers in the USA, India, and beyond. We aim for all ages. From young folks to seniors, we keep it simple.
Besides, this case matters worldwide. In India, people follow Sri Lanka’s politics closely. The two nations share ties. In the USA, some see this as a test for democracy. Corruption fights are big news everywhere.
Overall, Wickremesinghe’s bail is a turning point. Will the case hold? Or is it political? Stay tuned for updates.
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