Questions Over Influence and Procedure
Serious doubts have arisen regarding the circumstances under which former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was granted bail after being declared critically ill by six specialist doctors. Allegations suggest that these medical reports were submitted to court without notifying the Attorney General’s Department or the Criminal Investigation Department, prompting concerns about undue influence.
Speculation has mounted that political pressure may have played a role following Wickremesinghe’s arrest. The Colombo National Hospital, where the reports originated, is under government administration. The hospital has lacked a permanent director for an extended period, leaving an acting director—a position widely regarded as politically influenced—in charge.
Legal Questions Raised in Court
During proceedings before the Colombo Fort Magistrate on 29 October, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris questioned the legal basis on which Deputy Director K.P.G. Wijesinghe obtained the reports from six specialists. Peiris argued that the court had not ordered such reports when bail was granted on 26 August and that the Attorney General’s Department did not receive copies at the time. He described the move as a “planned act” and accused Wickremesinghe’s legal team of orchestrating it.
This case marks the first time in Sri Lankan history that a former executive president has faced investigation under ordinary criminal law. Under the Public Property Act, bail is typically prohibited, yet Wickremesinghe secured release within four days. Peiris asked whether any ordinary suspect could obtain reports from six specialists without a court order and questioned the accuracy of claims that Wickremesinghe was terminally ill.
Contradictions in Medical Claims
Peiris highlighted inconsistencies, noting that Wickremesinghe left the intensive care unit immediately after bail was granted, posed for selfies with doctors, and was photographed reading Boris Johnson’s book Unleashed. “How can a patient in intensive care read a thick book and take selfies?” Peiris asked, arguing that the court had been misled and that the incident undermines public trust in the judicial process.
The prosecution only obtained copies of the disputed medical reports two months later, on 29 October. The case has been adjourned until 28 January 2026.
Financial Discrepancies Under Scrutiny
Peiris also raised questions about Wickremesinghe’s finances, revealing that the former president spent over Rs. 16 million during a 36-hour private visit to Britain—equivalent to Rs. 450,000 per hour—despite earning a total salary of Rs. 2.54 million during his tenure from July 2022 to September 2024.
“This is not just a misuse of public funds; it is a blatant disregard for the judicial process,” Peiris concluded.
*With the inputs from Satahan/Whatnews Sinhala language site)