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Sri Lanka Court Grants Bail to Ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe

The case over a 2023 UK stopover tests the NPP government’s anti-corruption drive with a fresh hearing set for October 29.

Overview

  • The Colombo Fort Magistrate released Wickremesinghe on a five-million-rupee bond after a hearing held under tight security and set the next court date for October 29.
  • Wickremesinghe joined proceedings by video from Colombo National Hospital, where he is receiving treatment after dehydration, as his lawyers cited serious cardiac concerns.
  • Prosecutors allege he misused about LKR 16.6–17 million in public funds for a UK stopover linked to his wife’s university event, which he contests as an official visit with her expenses paid privately.
  • The August 22 arrest made Wickremesinghe the first former Sri Lankan head of state to be detained on such charges.
  • Supporters rallied outside the court as opposition figures decried a political witch hunt, while government officials said the case reflects equal application of anti-corruption laws.