COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) – On Friday, Sri Lanka's police made a historic arrest of the country's former president and senior opposition politician, Ranil Wickremesinghe. The arrest came as a result of allegations surrounding the misuse of public funds during his time in office.

Wickremesinghe served as the president of Sri Lanka from 2022 to 2024. The specific allegation against him involves the inappropriate use of public funds to attend his wife's graduation ceremony in London, which followed an official visit to the United States. This situation has raised significant questions regarding the integrity and accountability of public officials in Sri Lanka.

As of now, Wickremesinghe is the first former head of state in Sri Lankan history to be arrested. According to an aide who spoke to the Associated Press under the condition of anonymity, Wickremesinghe has already been taken to court following his arrest. The arrest was conducted by the Financial Crimes Investigations Department, a unit dedicated to addressing financial misconduct in the country.

This event marks a significant moment in Sri Lanka's political landscape, especially in the context of growing scrutiny over government spending and corruption. Wickremesinghe's arrest signals a potential shift towards greater accountability for public officials and could impact the political dynamics within the nation.

As investigations continue, there is likely to be widespread reaction from both supporters and critics of Wickremesinghe, especially given his prominent role in the Sri Lankan government. The repercussions of this arrest may extend beyond his personal affairs, potentially influencing public trust in political leaders and institutions.