Key Points
- Ranil Wickremesinghe admitted to Colombo National Hospital, shifted to ICU as precaution.
- Was scheduled to appear before Colombo Fort Magistrate on August 26, but exempted due to health.
- Doctors report increased kidney parameters, dehydration, and abnormal heart rate.
- Wickremesinghe was arrested last Friday on charges of misappropriating 1.66 crore rupees of state funds.
- Charges under Sri Lankan Penal Code Sections 386, 388 and Public Property Act 5(1) carry jail terms of up to 20 years.
- Served as Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister six times and became interim President in 2022.
Colombo: Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will not appear before the Colombo Fort Magistrate on August 26 due to a sudden deterioration in his health. He was scheduled for a hearing in connection with a corruption-related case, but doctors have now recommended three days of rest and strict medication.
According to sources at Colombo National Hospital (CNH), Wickremesinghe faced severe dehydration on Sunday, which caused a spike in his heart rate. Medical tests also revealed increased kidney parameters, headaches, and risk of complications, forcing doctors to take extra precautions.
Shifted to ICU for Monitoring
Though his symptoms are not immediately life-threatening, doctors admitted him to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as a safeguard against possible deterioration.
“His condition is stable for now, but close medical monitoring is required,” said a CNH official.
Arrest in 1.66 Crore Funds Misuse Case
Wickremesinghe was arrested last Friday (August 22, 2025), in connection with alleged misuse of 1.66 crore Sri Lankan Rupees (approx. INR 1.10 crore) during his presidency.
The case pertains to his foreign visit to London to attend a university convocation, where state funds were reportedly diverted. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) took him into custody following weeks of inquiry into financial irregularities.
Sections Applied and Possible Punishment
The CID has booked Wickremesinghe under:
- Sections 386 and 388 of the Sri Lankan Penal Code (related to criminal breach of trust and misappropriation).
- Section 5(1) of the Public Property Act, which deals with financial misconduct involving government funds.
If convicted, he faces a minimum one-year jail term and a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, along with fines.
Political Timeline: From Six-Time PM to Disgraced Ex-President
- Wickremesinghe is among Sri Lanka’s longest-serving leaders, having been Prime Minister six times.
- He took over as President in July 2022 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned amidst mass protests.
- However, in September 2024 presidential elections, he lost to Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power (NPP) movement, marking the end of his brief presidential tenure.
What’s Next?
Wickremesinghe’s hospitalization means he will miss the August 26 court hearing. His lawyers are expected to seek adjournment on medical grounds while doctors monitor his condition in ICU.
The case has already triggered major political debates in Colombo, with opposition parties calling for an independent inquiry into presidential misuse of funds.
