Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Oct. 29) heard extensive arguments regarding the health condition of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of over Rs. 16 million in public funds during a visit to the United Kingdom.
Deputy Solicitor General Dilip Peiris told court that six doctors had produced a medical report stating that Wickremesinghe suffered from a blocked artery and was treated at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Hospital in Colombo. He questioned how such a report was submitted to court without a judicial order and claimed it was done through the influence of the defence.
Peiris strongly criticised the former President’s conduct while on remand, saying:
“My Lord, on the previous date, President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne told court that his client’s condition had worsened and that he was admitted to the ICU. Normally, patients discharged from ICU are sent to a general ward. But this suspect was released from hospital the very next day — smiling, taking selfies with doctors.
Which ICU in the world has a patient reading Boris Johnson’s books while supposedly in critical condition? Even while warded, he was making phone calls to various people. This is not an ordinary suspect, My Lord — this is a person who misused Rs. 16 million of state funds within just 36 hours.”
The Magistrate then asked the Deputy Solicitor General if he was requesting a cancellation of bail. Peiris replied that the prosecution had concerns over the accuracy of the medical reports and requested that the bail order be reconsidered.
Appearing for Wickremesinghe, President’s Counsel Tilak Marapana told court that the case revolved around whether the former President’s UK trip was an official visit or a private one.
“Since the investigation has not yet clarified that, the focus has shifted toward attacking these medical reports,” he said.
“When my client was first remanded, he couldn’t eat or drink for hours. His condition deteriorated, and that’s why he was admitted to the ICU — not because he was terminally ill.”
At that point, Magistrate Isuru Netthikumara questioned the defence:
“Didn’t you previously tell court that the suspect had heart tissue death — that he was in a critical state, possibly near death?”
Counsel Marapana responded:
“Yes, My Lord. The artery blockage still exists, but blood now flows through another passage. It’s an old condition — detected in 2017.”
After considering submissions, Magistrate Netthikumara observed that the previous magistrate had already issued the bail order after examining the available medical reports and finding them satisfactory.
“Therefore, this court will not reconsider the bail decision,” he said.
“However, since questions have been raised regarding the authenticity of the medical reports, the doctors who prepared them may be required to clarify their basis.”
The Magistrate also directed the CID to look into several related matters.
“This case repeatedly refers to the then Presidential Secretary, but he has not been named a suspect. That omission creates difficulty for the court.
The central issue here is whether the suspect’s visit to the UK was under an official invitation or a private purpose. This is not a complex investigation. Complete the inquiry before the next hearing and report progress to court. If further suspects exist, they must also be produced,” he ordered.
The case, relating to the alleged misuse of public funds during Wickremesinghe’s foreign travel while serving as President, will be called again on January 28, 2026. (Newswire)