Sri Lanka Court Proceedings for Ex-President Wickremesinghe Conducted Virtually

Colombo, Aug 26 (PTI) - A courtroom in Sri Lanka began proceedings on Tuesday against former president Ranil Wickremesinghe, who participated virtually from the intensive care unit of Colombo National Hospital. This happened amidst a strong police presence and protests outside the court. The Daily Mirror reported that the hearing, overseen by Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura, was conducted via Zoom.

Representing Wickremesinghe were President’s Counsel Thilak Marapana, Anuja Premaratne, Upul Jayasuriya, and Ali Sabry. Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris appeared on behalf of the Attorney General. Premaratne submitted Wickremesinghe’s medical records, stating his medical conditions, which included blockages in three of the four main heart arteries, heart tissue necrosis, a lung infection, and longstanding diabetes. An expert cardiologist provided a detailed briefing to the court about his health.

Premaratne said, “By mere appearance, one cannot notice that such serious medical conditions exist.” Wickremesinghe was taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on August 22 on charges of alleged misuse of state funds. He was remanded to the main Magazine Remand prison just before midnight on Friday, as ordered by the Colombo Fort Magistrate's court, until August 26.

Initially admitted to the prison hospital, he was later moved to the National Hospital ICU when his condition worsened due to dehydration. Wickremesinghe faces allegations of misusing LKR 16.6 million to fund a personal trip to the UK in 2023, where he attended his wife Maithree's university convocation. He denies these allegations, asserting that the trip was official and conducted in the capacity of the Sri Lankan President.

Jagath Weerasinghe, the prison's media spokesperson, indicated that Wickremesinghe's physical appearance in court was unlikely, although arrangements were made for his participation via Zoom. Meanwhile, heavy security was deployed around the Colombo Fort magistrate’s court, with restricted access to the roads leading there as reported by police.

Protesters in a march themed “Against Repression” caused significant traffic congestion in the Slave Island and Colombo Fort areas, adaderana.lk claimed. Numerous opposition leaders participated in the march to display solidarity with the detained former president and express dissatisfaction with the current government.

Reports indicated that police fortified the route to the court, restricting entry. An incident saw a policeman injured by a bottle thrown by a protester, intended for a YouTuber but striking the policeman instead when he ducked. The hearing continues for now.

Wickremesinghe, who was President between July 2022 and September 2024, made history as the first post-independence Sri Lankan head of state to be arrested.

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