Sri Lanka's political crossroads: The arrest of Ranil Wickremesinghe and its implications

THE arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is arguably one of the most seismic disruptions to Sri Lankan politics in recent history. It has placed the Government, the opposition, and the broader political system under the spotlight, testing the credibility of the NPP administration’s anti-corruption drive while simultaneously challenging norms that have enjoyed a high threshold of tolerance within our society. The heated public debate generated by the incident reflects the sharp divides amongst Sri Lankans about whether this moment represents a turning point toward accountability or a slide to a more dangerous brand of political victimisation.

- By Nevanka de Silva Jayatilleke

At the heart of the matter is a fundamental question: can Sri Lanka strike the delicate balance between pursuing justice against corruption and safeguarding the principles of democratic governance?

The Government's position

The Government has sought to present the arrest as part of a broader, honest effort to confront corruption and break with the culture of impunity that has long defined Sri Lankan politics. Its message is clear: no individual, regardless of position or past service, should be above the rule of law. This narrative resonates with a public weary of systemic graft, particularly after years of economic crisis and decades of erosion of institutional trust — the “76-year long curse” as the NPP successfully framed in the lead up to the polls last year.

Yet the Government still faces a serious challenge in managing perceptions. While some applaud the arrest as a sign that the administration is willing to pursue justice at the highest levels, others view it as politically motivated. For the Government, communication is critical. It must not only show that evidence exists, but also demonstrate transparency in the judicial process, making information available without prejudicing legal proceedings. Failure to do so risks feeding accusations that the anti-corruption drive is being selectively weaponised.

Public reactions

Among the public, responses to Wickremesinghe’s arrest vary widely. Some argue he should not have been targeted given his role in stabilising the country during the height of the 2022 economic crisis, while others feel the move is long overdue. Still others argue that while Wickremesinghe may indeed have to face accountability, there are other figures who are more emblematic of corruption who should have been pursued first. The split in opinion reveals not only deep partisan divides but also broader disillusionment with the political establishment.