Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was arrested and remanded on Friday over allegations of misusing state funds, has been admitted to the Prisons Hospital on medical advice, the Prisons Spokesman confirmed.

Wickremesinghe, 76, was ordered to be remanded until August 26 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court under charges filed under the Public Property Act and penal code provisions on “dishonest misappropriation of property” and “criminal breach of trust.”

His lawyers cited his heart condition and diabetes, while Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura stated he may be held in custody at the prison hospital or another medical facility as required.

The case relates to his September 2023 visit to London during his presidency, to attend a university ceremony for his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe. While his office denied misuse of state funds, the CID alleges Rs. 16.6 million in government money was used for the trip with a 10-member delegation.

Wickremesinghe was taken to Welikada Prison under tight security before being transferred to the Prison Hospital.