Ranil Wickremesinghe shifted to intensive care amid severe dehydration after being charged with misuse of government funds
Ranil Wickremesinghe Hospitalized After Arrest
Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Colombo National Hospital on Saturday, just a day after he was jailed on charges of misusing government funds for foreign travel.
- Wickremesinghe was severely dehydrated and required close monitoring, according to the hospital’s deputy director-general.
- He has a history of severe diabetes and high blood pressure.
- The hospital confirmed his condition is currently stable but needs urgent care.
Why Was Wickremesinghe Taken to ICU?
- His health worsened while in prison, and the prison medical facility lacked the necessary equipment to treat him.
- A prison spokesperson confirmed the transfer to the state hospital due to his deteriorating condition.
- Opposition lawmakers who visited the 76-year-old former president said he remained in good spirits despite the circumstances.
Political Context: Charges and Opposition Reaction
- Wickremesinghe was remanded in custody Friday night, accused of using state funds to pay for a private trip to the UK in September 2023.
- This trip coincided with his attendance at international summits in Havana and New York.
- The allegations include misappropriation of approximately 16.6 million Sri Lankan rupees (about $55,000).
- If convicted, Wickremesinghe faces up to 20 years in prison and fines up to three times the misused amount.
Opposition Accuses Government of Political Motive
- Opposition parties claim the arrest is politically motivated, fearing Wickremesinghe could challenge the current government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
- Nalin Bandara of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya party said Wickremesinghe called for unity against the new government’s policies.
- Wickremesinghe’s party, the United National Party (UNP), echoed concerns that the government acted out of fear of his political comeback.
Background: Wickremesinghe’s Recent Political Journey
- Wickremesinghe became president in July 2022 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned amid mass protests and economic crisis.
- He lost the presidential election in September 2024 to Dissanayake but stayed politically active.
- The arrest is part of a wider anti-corruption drive targeting prominent figures following Sri Lanka’s severe economic meltdown.
Summary of Key Points
- Health: Severe dehydration, diabetes, and high blood pressure; condition stable but critical.
- Charges: Misuse of government funds for personal foreign travel.
- Political angle: Opposition alleges politically motivated arrest.
- Legal consequences: Up to 20 years imprisonment and hefty fines.
- Current status: Transferred to ICU, under close medical supervision
This news continues to develop as Sri Lanka grapples with political tension and ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
