Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Colombo National Hospital due to ill health, hospital officials confirmed on Sunday. His condition has forced a postponement of his scheduled court appearance on August 26.
Wickremesinghe, who was remanded until Tuesday by Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura, was initially admitted to the prison hospital following his arrest on Friday. He was later moved to Colombo National Hospital after doctors determined that his condition required specialized treatment unavailable at the prison facility.
Hospital sources told Daily Mirror Sri Lanka that the 75-year-old former leader was found dehydrated, with an elevated heart rate, headaches, and abnormal kidney parameters. While doctors said the symptoms are not critical at present, they warned that complications could worsen his condition if not managed carefully.
“With proper treatment, he may recover, but he requires rest and medication for the next three days,” a senior hospital official said.
As a precautionary step, doctors have shifted him to the ICU for close monitoring.
Wickremesinghe was arrested last week on allegations of misusing state funds to finance a private trip to London, reportedly to attend a university graduation ceremony. Investigators allege that the visit, part of a larger overseas tour, was not an official engagement but was paid for with government money.
A six-time prime minister, Wickremesinghe became Sri Lanka’s interim president in July 2022 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ouster. However, he lost the 2024 presidential election to Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the National People’s Power.
