Colombo, Aug 24 (HS): Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was rushed to hospital late Saturday night after his health deteriorated in Colombo Remand Prison, where he had been lodged under judicial custody until August 26 in connection with an alleged misuse of state funds.

According to Colombo Post, the 76-year-old leader has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on doctors’ advice. He is reported to be suffering from dehydration, hypertension, and diabetes-related complications.

Wickremesinghe was arrested on August 22 at the CID headquarters, where he had been summoned to record a statement over allegations of misusing public funds. He is accused of using state money for a trip to the UK in 2023 to attend his wife’s convocation ceremony.

Following his arrest, the Colombo court denied him bail, ordering him into remand custody until August 26.

Wickremesinghe, who served as Sri Lanka’s President from July 2022 to September 2024 after succeeding Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is credited with steering the island nation out of its worst economic crisis. He has also held the office of Prime Minister six times during his long political career.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar