Sri Lanka tightens security for former president Wickremesinghe remanded in hospital

COLOMBO, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- A special security detail has been assigned to the Colombo National Hospital, where former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was receiving medical treatment after being remanded on Friday, a spokesperson for the Department of Prisons said Monday.

According to prison spokesperson Jagath Weerasinghe, seven jailors and four prison guards have been deployed to ensure Wickremesinghe's security.

Wickremesinghe was arrested and remanded on charges of misusing state funds. He was initially admitted to the prison hospital and transferred to the Colombo National Hospital later.

This marks the first time in Sri Lanka's history that a former executive president has been arrested and remanded. His case is scheduled to be heard again on Tuesday. ■