President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, appearing on behalf of Ranil Wickremesinghe, told court that this inquiry had been initiated based on a complaint submitted by a secretary to a president residing in the Kurunegala area.

He pointed out that a report issued by the National Audit Office had referred to this visit and that it clearly stated no illegal act had taken place. However, the investigating officers had failed to take that report into consideration, and had they done so, such a case would not have arisen.

He further noted that all invitations received by a Head of State are considered official invitations, and that in the past, leaders such as former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Lakshman Kadirgamar, and Lalith Athulathmudali had also participated in such visits.

The President’s Counsel argued that a Head of State cannot simply travel overseas on an economy-class ticket, move around in hired vehicles, and stay at friends’ homes, stressing that such conduct would not be compatible with the dignity of the office.

He explained that Ranil Wickremesinghe had participated in this visit to the United Kingdom following an invitation extended by the University of Wolverhampton through the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK. He questioned how an invitation conveyed through the Sri Lankan High Commission could be considered anything but official.

The Counsel also pointed out that a Head of State is a person who works 24 hours a day, and that this invitation had been extended to him not in his personal capacity as Ranil Wickremesinghe, but in his official capacity as the President of Sri Lanka.

He further argued that the financial regulations referred to in the complaint apply only to Ministry Secretaries and Provincial Council Secretaries, and not to officials such as the President, the Prime Minister, or the Speaker of Parliament.

Presenting medical records to court, the Counsel informed that his client suffers from heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and hypertension, while his wife is undergoing treatment for cancer.

Considering these as special circumstances, President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne requested the court to order the suspect’s release on bail under any conditions.

Parliamentarian Rauff Hakeem has raised concerns over the manner in which former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s arrest was handled, pointing out that the news was announced in advance by a YouTuber.

Speaking in Parliament, the former minister noted that Wickremesinghe was arrested by CID officers after giving a statement, but claimed the development had already been “virtually announced” online beforehand.

“A few days ago, there was a YouTuber who was showing his affection in a very inappropriate way, in my opinion. But then this particular YouTuber also went on record virtually announcing that the former President would be arrested. So, it appears there’s an inspired leak. This worries us,” Hakeem said.

He further explained that normally, when statements are recorded by police, a ‘B report’ is filed before the magistrate. “You have a basic courtesy. You give it to a former head of state. Then if the magistrate felt right, his attorneys could have made submissions and the magistrate could have decided whether to remand them or bail him out,” he added.

Hakeem emphasized that while everyone should be treated equally before the law, a former head of state deserves at least a minimum level of courtesy in legal proceedings.

Former President Maithripala Sirisena arrived at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today to show solidarity with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was arrested earlier over allegations of misusing state funds.

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has announced that the decision on the bail application of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was taken into custody earlier today (22), will be postponed by half an hour.

Wickremesinghe was arrested this afternoon by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over allegations that state funds were used for a private visit to London during his presidency.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today (22) that the law is being enforced equally, without regard to status or position.

He stressed that it does not matter whether the individual is an Inspector General of Police, a Deputy Inspector General, a Member of Parliament, a Minister, or even a former President — the law applies the same to all.

“If someone commits an offence, that person will be brought before the law without hesitation, and this is now visible in practice,” the Minister said.

He further noted that victims of crime must receive justice, while offenders must be held accountable, highlighting that the National People’s Power (NPP) government is committed to a system of governance based on justice and equality.

Wijepala also revealed that a significant number of investigations into bribery and corruption are currently underway. He pointed out that in the past, many crimes went unpunished and justice was often denied to victims, but assured that under the present administration, justice will be delivered to every victim without exception.

Reports indicate that political leaders and supporters have gathered at the court premises to show solidarity with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and produced before the court.

Among the politicians present are Vajira Abeywardena, Sagala Ratnayaka, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Nimal Lanza, Nishantha Warnasinghe, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Mahinda Amaraweera, Namal Rajapaksa, Ruwan Wijewardene, and Dinesh Gunawardena.

Heavy crowds have been reported within the court premises, while security has also been tightened in the area.