Delhi: The recent arrest of former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has stirred debate, with veteran journalist S Venkat Narayan of Sri Lankan newspaper The Island expressing shock over the move. Speaking to media, Narayan stated that Wickremesinghe’s travels — which are being cited as the basis for alleged misuse of government resources — were not corrupt in nature.

According to Narayan, the former president had travelled to Cuba for a G77 summit, followed by a visit to New York for the UN General Assembly and later stopped in London. While in the UK, Wickremesinghe and his wife Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe attended a university event in Wolverhampton — approximately 200 km away from London.

"I'm surprised by his arrest. There is no corruption involved in what he did. He went to Cuba to attend a G77 summit. Then from Havana, he went to New York to attend the UN General Assembly. On the way back to Colombo, he stopped by in London. His wife, who is a professor of English, normally comes to Jaipur for the Jaipur Literary Festival. A local university invited both of them to a ceremony. From London, he stopped by and drove 200km to Wolverhampton... The expenses involved in Maitre's (Wickremesinghe's wife) travel were taken care of by her," he said.

“The Sri Lankan government claims 10 government officials accompanied them and were misused for a personal trip, which led to his arrest,” said Narayan. “But the travel expenses for Maithree were borne by her, and the President is entitled to security even as a private citizen. This is not corruption,” he added.

He further stated that even retired or non-sitting presidents must be provided official security, and the route or nature of the trip should not negate that obligation.

The incident has sparked criticism, with some observers viewing the arrest as politically motivated rather than legally justified.

(With ANI inputs)