Opposing the granting of bail to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris observed that the legality of the invitation extended to Wickremesinghe by the University of Wolverhampton has not yet been verified.
President’s Counsel Thilak Marapana, appearing on behalf of Wickremesinghe, submitted that the internal audit officer of the Presidential Secretariat does not have the authority to audit the matter.
He further stated that an audit conducted by the National Audit Office revealed no evidence of financial misappropriation in relation to the funds obtained under the president’s expenditure head.
Attorney General’s Department informs court it objects to granting bail to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
President’s Counsel Tilak Marapana begins submissions on behalf of Wickremesinghe
The court hearing for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has commenced before Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura.
A group of lawyers, including Thilak Marapana PC, Anuja Premaratne PC, Upul Jayasuriya PC, and Ali Sabry PC, are appearing on behalf of Wickremesinghe.
The hearing on the case filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the misuse of state funds has commenced at the Fort Magistrate’s Court in Colombo.
Submissions are currently being made in court by the state and Ranil Wickremesinghe’s legal representatives.
It is reported that the former President was not produced before the court for the hearing today.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested and remanded last Friday over the misuse of state funds for a visit to the United Kingdom in late 2023, during his presidency.
He was remanded until today, but remains at the ICU in the Colombo National Hospital due to his health conditions.
A packed courtroom is awaiting the hearing of the case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Court officials said Wickremesinghe will not be physically present due to his health condition, and will instead join proceedings via Zoom if required.
Hundreds of lawyers were also present inside the court, adding to the heavy turnout of observers as the case was set to begin.
Outside the court complex, opposition supporters launched protests chanting slogans such as “Anura go home,” calling for the Government to step down. The demonstration drew the participation of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who joined protesters voicing anger against the Government.
Police have deployed special security arrangements around the court premises in anticipation of unrest as the case resumes. (Newswire)
Opposition supporters chanted “Anura go home, Anura go home” as they protested near the Colombo court where the case involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to be taken up shortly pic.twitter.com/D5IIwsdaVX
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) August 26, 2025
