Colombo, August 26 — Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, currently facing allegations of misappropriating Rs. 16.6 million in public funds for a private overseas visit, was granted bail today following urgent submissions highlighting his deteriorating health.
Appearing before the court, President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratna presented detailed medical evidence describing Wickremesinghe’s condition as life-threatening. The former President is reportedly suffering from a severe cardiac illness, with three of his four major coronary arteries blocked—one of them 100% obstructed. Due to the critical location of the blockage, surgical intervention is deemed impossible, and doctors have recommended continuous treatment under close medical supervision.
In addition to his cardiac complications, Wickremesinghe is battling kidney disease, advanced diabetes, a serious pancreatic condition, dangerously low sodium levels, and high blood pressure. His lung function is compromised, further weakening his immune system and increasing vulnerability to infections.
Premaratna emphasized that Wickremesinghe’s condition is “beyond abnormal,” with multiple organ systems affected simultaneously, posing an imminent threat to his life. On humanitarian and medical grounds, the defense urged the court to consider these exceptional circumstances in granting bail.
The prosecution, led by Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, opposed the bail request, arguing that the invitation letter presented by Wickremesinghe lacked legal validity and should not be accepted as justification for the alleged overseas trip. Peiris maintained that bail should not be granted until the trial concludes.
The case centers on allegations that Wickremesinghe used approximately Rs. 16.9 million in state funds to travel to the United Kingdom in September 2023 to attend his wife’s graduation ceremony, accompanied by ten individuals.
Despite the prosecution’s objections, the court granted bail, citing the extraordinary medical condition of the accused.