Sri Lanka Court Grants Bail to Ex-President Wickremesinghe Amid Health Concerns

Colombo, Aug 26 (PTI) — A Sri Lankan court extended bail to ex-president Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday over allegations concerning misuse of state finances. Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura sanctioned the 76-year-old’s bail, stipulating three sureties valued at LKR 5 million each. Wickremesinghe attended the session virtually from the Intensive Care Unit of Colombo National Hospital, where he is under medical care. His legal representatives cited his failing health as grounds for bail, countered by state attorneys who argued for his continued custody until trial conclusion. The court scheduled the next hearing for late October. Representing Wickremesinghe were President’s Counsel Thilak Marapana, Anuja Premaratne, Upul Jayasuriya, and Ali Sabry, while Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris stood for the Attorney General. Premaratne presented Wickremesinghe's medical documents, stating that three of his heart’s primary arteries were blocked, his heart tissues had necrosis, and he faced a lung infection plus persistent diabetes. A cardiology expert elaborated on his health condition to the court. Premaratne remarked, "By mere appearance, one cannot notice that such serious medical conditions exist." Amid stringent security at the Fort Magistrate's Court, hundreds of opposition backers protested Wickremesinghe’s detention. Reports from the Daily Mirror indicated a police officer near the court was injured by a bottle allegedly aimed at a YouTuber but instead hitting him as he dodged for cover. Wickremesinghe, who presided from July 2022 to September 2024, faced arrest last Friday after more than five hours of CID questioning. He marked history as the first Sri Lankan ex-head of state arrested in the post-independence era. Originally taken to the main Magazine Remand prison late on Friday, Wickremesinghe was moved to the National Hospital’s ICU when dehydration impacted his health. The charges revolve around accusations that he misused LKR 16.6 million of state funds for a personal UK trip in 2023 for his wife Maithree's university convocation. Wickremesinghe denies the accusations, asserting the invitation related to his official role as President. The CID has also taken statements from some of his close aides in relation to the case.