Senior members of the United National Party (UNP) have rallied behind former President Ranil Wickremesinghe following his recent arrest, condemning the move as an act of political revenge and questioning the motives of the Government.

At a press conference, UNP leaders praised Wickremesinghe’s contributions, particularly his role in stabilising the country’s economy during its worst-ever crisis.

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene stated that while the UNP supported the country’s anti-corruption drive, it stood against any effort to use it for political vengeance, especially against Opposition leaders. 

“If this country is to develop, there has to be a democracy,” he said.

“Yesterday he was arrested, and we respect the independence of the courts and we will not question their jurisdiction. However, this is a leader who stood up for us when the country had fallen to its lowest depths. We need to keep all our politics aside and stand with him in these trying times,” said Sagala Ratnayaka, a senior member of the UNP.

Meanwhile, UNP General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale questioned the nature of the allegations.

“It is standard practice for officials on an official trip to cover any additional personal travel from their own funds. If any State loss occurred, it should have been identified and recovered at the time,” she said.

Wickremesinghe’s arrest marks the first time a former executive president has been taken into custody in Sri Lankan history. 

The charges, filed by the Criminal Investigation Department, allege that he misused public funds to attend a private event, a graduation ceremony for his wife at the University of Wolverhampton in the UK, during an official overseas trip in September 2023. While his office has denied the allegations, the Police claims the trip cost the State approximately Rs. 16.9 million.