Overview

• Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura ordered Ranil Wickremesinghe’s release on a 5 million rupee bond after a hearing held under tight security.
• Wickremesinghe joined the proceedings via video from the ICU at Colombo National Hospital after being treated for dehydration, as his lawyers cited medical reports of significant cardiac issues.
• Prosecutors allege he used roughly LKR 16.6–17 million in public funds for a 2023 UK stopover linked to an event for his wife and told the court travel documents were altered to appear official.
• Defense counsel says the visit was sanctioned through diplomatic channels and that personal expenses, including his wife’s, were not borne by the state.
• Large demonstrations gathered near the court as police deployed riot units, reflecting polarized reactions to the first post‑independence arrest of a former Sri Lankan head of state.