Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested on Friday following an investigation into the alleged misuse of state funds. The arrest came after he was questioned by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) regarding a trip to London in September 2023, which he took while he was head of state.
According to police officials cited by AFP, Wickremesinghe was taken into custody in connection with a visit to a ceremony for his wife, Maithree, at a British university. He had made the stop in London on his return journey from a G77 summit in Havana. The police are alleging that he used government money for his and his bodyguards’ travel, arguing that the visit was personal, not official.
Wickremesinghe has consistently maintained that no state funds were used for the trip and that his wife covered her own travel expenses. Despite his defense, an officer told AFP that they are pressing charges for “using state resources for personal purposes” and would be producing him before the Colombo Fort magistrate.
Wickremesinghe, who became president in July 2022 after his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned, is widely credited with stabilizing Sri Lanka’s economy during the country’s severe financial crisis. He lost his re-election bid in September of the previous year to left-wing candidate AK Disannayake.
Trump Administration Intensifies Immigration Crackdown with Visa Reviews
Over 55 Million Visa Holders Under “Continuous Vetting,” Trucker Visas Paused
The Trump administration is escalating its immigration crackdown with a sweeping review of more than 55 million U.S. visa holders and applicants. The U.S. State Department confirmed that all visa holders, including tourists, are now subject to “continuous vetting” to identify any violations that could lead to visa revocation and deportation.
The vetting process is looking for indicators of ineligibility, such as overstaying a visa, criminal activity, threats to public safety, or involvement with terrorism. If a violation is found, the visa will be revoked, and if the individual is in the U.S., they will be subject to deportation. The State Department stated it is reviewing all available information, including law enforcement and immigration records, and any information that comes to light after a visa is issued.
In a related move, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an immediate pause on all visas for foreign truck drivers. Rubio stated the decision was made to protect “American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” following a recent fatal crash in Florida involving a foreign driver. This pause is part of a broader push to tighten immigration rules and enhance vetting, with the administration also focusing on stricter English proficiency requirements for truckers.
The intensified scrutiny and visa pauses reflect a broader agenda from the Trump administration to prioritize stringent enforcement and national security.