Protests Erupt in Colombo Over Arrest of Ex-President Wickremesinghe

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Center-Leaning

Why: Reporting focuses on facts, quotes from both government and opposition, and context without leaning strongly toward either side.

The Big Picture

More than 1,000 supporters of Sri Lanka’s former president Ranil Wickremesinghe protested in Colombo on Tuesday against his arrest on corruption charges. The protests came ahead of a crucial court hearing to decide whether he would be granted bail.

Wickremesinghe, who led the country between 2022 and 2024, is accused of misusing public funds during his presidency. His arrest marks the first time a former Sri Lankan head of state has been detained.

The Arrest

Wickremesinghe was arrested last Friday.
Authorities allege he used public money to attend his wife’s graduation ceremony in London in 2023, after an official trip to the United States.
The court ordered him held until Tuesday’s hearing.

Government officials insist the arrest is lawful and part of wider anti-corruption measures. Opposition leaders call it politically motivated.

The Protests

Thousands gathered near Colombo’s Magistrates' Court.
Protesters wore black and carried black flags, demanding his release.
Signs read: “Immediately release ex-president Ranil Wickremesinghe.”
Opposition activists accused the government of attempting to silence critics.

A 69-year-old protester, Samarasiri Kuruwitaarachchi, said the government had failed to deliver on its election promises and was instead “trying to hunt down the political opponents.”

Government Response

Transport and Highways Minister Bimal Rathnayake rejected claims of political revenge. He said the government has a mandate to investigate alleged wrongdoing by previous administrations and that the law applies equally to all. Wickremesinghe’s party argued that he attended the graduation in his official capacity, based on an invitation he received.

Health Concerns

Wickremesinghe was admitted to Colombo National Hospital on Saturday.
Doctors said he was suffering from dehydration and related complications.
He is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Hospital officials said he is stable but requires close monitoring.
Court officials are preparing for him to appear virtually, as he may be too unwell to attend in person.

Political Context

Wickremesinghe rose to power in 2022 after mass protests forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign amid economic collapse.

During his presidency:

Inflation dropped.
The local currency strengthened.
Foreign reserves improved.

However, his strict austerity measures triggered backlash from many Sri Lankans who felt the policies hurt ordinary citizens.

Wider Anti-Corruption Push

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, elected last year on an anti-corruption platform, has pledged accountability for past leaders.

Wickremesinghe is the most high-profile figure under investigation.
More than a dozen former officials are facing corruption probes.

Why It Matters

Wickremesinghe’s arrest is a rare event in Sri Lanka’s history and could reshape the political landscape. It raises questions about whether the anti-corruption drive is a genuine reform effort or a political weapon. The outcome of the bail hearing — and whether Wickremesinghe remains in custody — will be a major test for the government’s promise of equal justice under the law.