Ranil Wickremesinghe granted bail

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, accused of misusing state funds for a private trip was today released on bail by the Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura.

After considering submissions from, both the Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris and  Mr Wickremesinghe’s counsels including Tilak Marapana, PC, Anuja Premaratne and Upul Jayasuriya PC bail was granted.

He was released on three surety bails of Rs five million each.

The next hearing date was fixed for October 29.

Mr Peiris strongly objected to the granting of bail

Mr Wickremesinghe was charged for misusing state funds for a private visit in UK. 

The Additional Solicitor General at the beginning of the case drew the attention of the Magistrate that recordings of the previous day’s court hearings had been shared on social media and that false information had been shared.

The Magistrate ordered the CID to carryout a full inquiry and report back to courts.

Mr Peiris pointed out that the invitation letter for Mr Wickremesinghe to attend an University function in UK was not an official invitation as there were no official records.

He said Mr Wickremesinghe’s visit also has not got recorded as an official visit.

He said Mr Wickremesinghe had wasted public funds.

Mr Marapana pointed out that Mr Wickremesinghe’s official engagements were important for the country.

He said it was a foolish act to arrest Mr Wickremesinghe .

Mr Marapana said that Mr Wickremesinghe had not prepared any false documents as claimed .

Mr Premaratne appearing for Mr Wickremesinghe presented his medical reports and urged that he should be released on bail.

He said that Mr Wickremesinghe should be considered as a person of national importance for the service he has rendered.

The Magistrate said taking into consider his medical reports that Mr Wickremesinghe was being released on bail.

Outside the courts, a large crowds were presented with some of them hold placards in support of Mr Wickremesinghe.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa commenting said that the public should not be deterred by the threats posed by the government.

Several other opposition politicians commented.

Meanwhile the police riot squad was placed on standby.  

Mr Wickremesinghe who was remanded last Friday and thereafter hospitalised is currently receiving treatment at the National Hospital Colombo.

His office said that Mr Wickremesinghe is expected to continue to receive treatment for the next few days. 

Pix by M.A. Pushpakumara