In Focus by The Hindu Is Wickremesinghe's trial a turning point in Sri Lankan politics?
Aug 30, 2025
Meera Srinivasan, Sri Lanka Correspondent for The Hindu, shares her expertise on the recent historic arrest of former president Ranil Wickremesinghe for misuse of state funds, signaling a pivotal moment for accountability in Sri Lankan politics. She highlights the ascent of reformist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the promise of a clean break from the past. The conversation also dives into the implications for the economy, democracy, and Sri Lanka's complex relationships with regional powers like India and China amid ongoing political unrest.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Arrest As Anti-Corruption Signal
- The Dissanayake government frames the arrest as part of a broad anti-corruption drive begun during its campaign.
- They stress equality before the law and have arrested several former ministers and officials in under a year.
Wickremesinghe's Divisive Legacy
- Ranil Wickremesinghe's long career split opinion because of perceived closeness to the Rajapaksas and his IMF-led austerity.
- Supporters credit him with stabilising the economy while critics blame him for protecting the old elite.
Serious Legal Basis For Arrest
- Wickremesinghe was arrested under the Offences Against Public Property Act and for dishonest misappropriation and criminal breach of trust.
- The law makes the offence non-bailable unless circumstances are exceptional, making the arrest legally significant.