Background
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, during his official visit to the United States in September 2023, stayed for two extra days in London on his return journey to attend a private event of his wife. Allegations have since arisen that Rs. 169 million of state funds were misused for this purpose.
Ranil’s Explanation
According to Ranil’s legal team, this was an official visit, and his wife’s travel expenses were personally borne. They argued that additional expenses arising during presidential visits—such as accommodation, security arrangements, and costs for security officers—fall within the lawful privileges granted to a President.
Allegations and Penalties
Offences Against Public Property Act, Section 5(1) – Misappropriation of state property.
Penalty: Minimum 1 year up to 20 years of rigorous or simple imprisonment,
plus a fine equal to three times the misused amount (approximately Rs. 500 million).
Penal Code Section 386 – Criminal misappropriation of funds.
Penalty: Imprisonment of up to 2 years and a fine.
Penal Code Section 389 – Criminal breach of trust.
Penalty: Imprisonment of up to 3 years and a fine.
Bail Regulations
Under the Offences Against Public Property Act, if the value of the offence exceeds Rs. 25,000, the accused must be kept in remand custody until the trial is concluded. Bail can only be granted under very exceptional circumstances.
Note
Considering the timing of the arrest (a Friday), the specific legal provisions invoked, and the prosecution’s strong opposition to bail, it becomes clear that the intention was to keep Ranil behind bars.
Many see this not merely as a beginning, but as a prelude to a major political upheaval.
Whether Ranil’s “diplomacy” prevails, or his opponents’ “power of struggle” takes the upper hand, remains to be seen.