The legal proceedings against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe under the Public Property Act are set to continue today (29) at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court. 

The case involves allegations that Wickremesinghe misused government funds for a 2023 trip to the UK to attend a ceremony honoring his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe, while serving as Head of State.

Wickremesinghe was arrested on 22 August, 2025, after voluntarily appearing before the Criminal Investigation Department and was remanded until 26 August, 2025. Following medical reports, he was released on bail of Rs. 5 million, with the case scheduled for today. 

The court has instructed that investigations be completed by January 28, 2026, with formal charges possibly filed in March.

During today’s hearing, the Attorney General’s office stated investigations would be finalized within a month. The complainant requested the revocation of Wickremesinghe’s bail, but the Magistrate declined, citing previous bail arrangements.

The case centers on allegations that Wickremesinghe misappropriated Rs. 16.6 million during his UK visit, which was claimed to be an official trip. 

His legal team argues the visit was based on an invitation from a British university, and that there is no clear distinction between official and private travel for a sitting President, thus denying any misuse of public funds.