In August 2025, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested the former President over the allegations. Colombo Fort Magistrate Nelupuli Lankapura ordered that he be remanded until August 26, marking the first time in Sri Lankan history that a former Head of State was placed under remand custody.
Subsequently, the court ordered his release on three personal bails of Rs. 5 million each.
The charges stem from allegations that Wickremesinghe caused a loss of approximately Rs. 16.9 million to the government by undertaking a private visit to the University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom for a graduation ceremony in 2023, staying for about a day and a half, and incurring excessive costs during the visit.
