Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was in remand custody over the misuse of state funds, has been granted bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.
The case was taken up before Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura, while the former President did not appear in court due to his health conditions, but was presented via Zoom from the Colombo National Hospital during the proceedings.
The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today released Ranil Wickremesinghe on three sureties of Rs. 05 million each.
The case has been fixed for hearing on 29th October 2025.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe appeared via Zoom for the court session from the intensive care unit at the National Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Citing special considerations regarding Wickremesinghe’s health, President’s Counsel Anuja Premarathne submitted medical records indicating that three of his four coronary arteries are blocked.
During a heated exchange, counsel for Wickremesinghe demanded, “Keep your mouth shut while we are done talking,” after Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris interrupted the submissions.
Former President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake had stated the former president did not meet with any state leaders during his visit to the United Kingdom, according to a submission by Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris.
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
