Sri Lanka’s Ex-President Ranil Hospitalised After Remand in Graft Case

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been admitted to hospital after being remanded over allegations of misusing state funds.

Wickremesinghe, 76, was denied bail by Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on Friday and placed in remand custody. Shortly after, he was transferred from prison to the Colombo National Hospital’s ICU due to high blood pressure, dehydration, and complications from diabetes. Doctors say his condition is now stable.

The case stems from claims that Wickremesinghe spent around LKR 16.6 million (USD 50,000) in public funds on a 2023 trip to London, allegedly for his wife’s private academic convocation.

Prominent leaders, including Mahinda Rajapaksa and Sajith Premadasa, visited him in hospital over the weekend. Wickremesinghe, who led Sri Lanka from 2022 to 2024, will remain in custody until at least August 26 as investigations continue.