Colombo, Aug. 26 -- Sri Lanka's former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been denied bail as court proceedings began today over allegations of misusing state funds for a private trip to the United Kingdom in 2023.
The 76-year-old, arrested on August 22, is the first Sri Lankan head of state to be detained under anti-corruption laws.
Prosecutors say Wickremesinghe diverted about SKR17 million ($55,000) while returning from official visits to Cuba and the United States, making an unsanctioned stop in Britain to attend a ceremony honouring his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe, at the University of Wolverhampton, according to News Wire.
At Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court, the Attorney General's Department objected to bail, arguing th...