Sri Lanka’s former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested early Friday morning, approximately one hour ago, amid escalating political unrest in the nation. The arrest took place in Colombo and marks a significant development in Sri Lanka’s ongoing political and economic crisis that has gripped the island nation over recent years.
Wickremesinghe, who served as president during one of Sri Lanka’s most turbulent periods, faces allegations related to corruption and abuse of power. Government sources indicate that the move comes as part of a broader crackdown on political figures amid mounting public pressure and protests demanding accountability. Security personnel detained Wickremesinghe at his residence, and he was taken into custody without incident.
This arrest highlights the intensifying efforts by the current administration to address allegations of mismanagement that contributed to Sri Lanka’s devastating economic collapse in 2022, which led to widespread shortages, civil unrest, and the ousting of several top officials. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been a controversial figure, praised by some international partners for stabilizing efforts but criticized domestically for perceived failure to prevent the economic crisis.
Political analysts suggest this arrest could deepen political divisions but may also signal a new chapter of accountability stretching across the country’s political elite. “This is a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s democracy and a test of its justice system,” said a local political commentator. “The government is clearly eager to show it is serious about confronting corruption.”
International reaction has been cautious so far, with calls for the rule of law and due process to be respected. Human rights organizations have urged that Wickremesinghe’s detention does not impede fair trial guarantees.
The unfolding situation is expected to bring further developments as investigations continue and political tensions simmer. The government has promised transparency and has called for calm among citizens.
