Statements During Elections Not Valid Now - Sajith

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has defended his recent visit to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is currently under remand custody, stating that the visit was not political but a stand against what he described as “unjust governance.”

Responding to a journalist’s question about his presence at the hospital despite Wickremesinghe’s past criticism during the presidential election, Premadasa said, “What is said during an election campaign is different from the issues we are facing now. This is a completely separate matter.”

When asked why the opposition was “complaining” about law enforcement, Premadasa responded firmly: “Complaining? Do we not have the right to speak? This is a democratic country. What we are demanding is that everything must be done with justice and fairness.”

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, currently under remand custody until August 26 by court order under the Public Property Act, continues to receive medical treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.

Wickremesinghe was admitted to the hospital last Saturday following health concerns, and remains under close observation by a specialist team in the Intensive Care Unit, according to Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana.

The Prison Department has deployed seven jailers and four security officers to ensure his safety within the hospital premises.

Prison Spokesperson Jagath Weerasinghe confirmed that Wickremesinghe’s health is being monitored continuously, and that a special security protocol is in place.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and a group of opposition MPs visited the hospital again to inquire about Wickremesinghe’s condition.

The former president was remanded following allegations of misusing Rs. 16.6 million in public funds for a private overseas trip.