Ex-President Ranil unlikely to be produced in court today - Prisons Spokesman

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is unlikely to be produced before court today (26), due to medical recommendations stating that he must continue to remain under observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), according to Prisons media spokesperson Jagath Weerasinghe.

He further stated that if the Magistrate issues an order for Wickremesinghe to be presented via Zoom for legal proceedings, necessary arrangements can be made accordingly.

The case against the former President — who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on August 22 under the Public Property Act over alleged misuse of state funds — is scheduled to be taken up again today before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Following his arrest, court ordered that former President Wickremesinghe be remanded until today. However, considering his health condition, he was first admitted to the Prison Hospital, and later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital based on medical advice.

As of now, the former President remains under treatment in the ICU and is due to be presented before court today.

Nevertheless, due to his medical condition, a special medical board consisting of five specialist doctors is currently monitoring his status. Whether or not he will be produced before court today will depend on the recommendations made by this medical board.