Ranil Suffers From Breathing Issues, Receives Bail on Medical Grounds

COLOMBO (News 1st); President’s Counsel Anuja Premarathna, appearing on behalf of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that Wickremesinghe suffers from a respiratory condition that causes breathing difficulties during sleep. 

He stated that the former President must be connected to a medical device while sleeping, and that only his wife is aware of how to operate it.

Explaining the severity of Wickremesinghe’s health condition, Premarathna emphasized that his client is suffering from multiple illnesses.

After considering these submissions, Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura ordered the release of Wickremesinghe on three personal bails of Rs. 5 Million each, taking into account his current medical condition.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was remanded last Friday (22) by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court over allegations of using Rs. 16.6 million in public funds for a private overseas visit.

However, within hours of the remand order, Wickremesinghe was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital due to a sudden deterioration in his health.

Based on medical recommendations, Wickremesinghe appeared before court via Zoom.

A legal team including President’s Counsels Anuja Premarathna, Ali Sabry, and Tilak Marapana represented Wickremesinghe in court. 

Appearing on behalf of the Attorney General’s Department was Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris.

President’s Counsel Anuja Premarathna provided a detailed explanation of Wickremesinghe’s current medical condition to the Colombo Magistrate.

According to Premarathna, three arteries in Wickremesinghe’s heart are blocked. 

He is also suffering from kidney disease, has low sodium levels in his body, and is battling a lung infection.

Quote: 

"Your Honour, three out of four major arteries in my client’s heart are blocked. Surgery is not an option. He is suffering from chronic kidney disease and experiences breathing difficulties during sleep. Due to this, he must be connected to a CPAP machine while sleeping — a device only his wife knows how to operate. If the machine fails or is unavailable, it could result in cardiac arrest. My client also has a dangerously low sodium level in his body, a lung infection, and a condition affecting the upper part of his pancreas. These complications have severely weakened his immune system, placing him at high risk of a sudden heart attack. Despite these serious conditions, they are not visibly apparent in his physical appearance. In short, Your Honour, my client is afflicted with nearly every major illness imaginable, yet he does not let it show. That is why doctors have strongly recommended that he remain under close medical supervision. In light of these exceptional circumstances, I respectfully request that my client be released on bail.”

End Of Quote.

During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris strongly objected to the bail request.

Quote: 

"Your Honour, according to the defense, the suspect appears to be suffering from a new set of illnesses. Yet, despite these claims, he continues to meet with numerous politicians. The National Hospital has not submitted any formal report confirming these conditions. Nor has it stated that the hospital is incapable of treating the illnesses mentioned. The majority of the medical reports presented were obtained only yesterday — after the suspect was remanded. If these conditions are genuine, why were they not disclosed earlier? This is a criminal case, not a matter of public welfare. The legal team may have changed, but their arguments remain the same. There is no new or exceptional reason to justify bail. Therefore, Your Honour, we respectfully oppose the request for bail and urge the court to proceed accordingly.”

End Of Quote.

After considering arguments presented by both the defense and prosecution, Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura issued an order granting bail to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Quote:

"Today’s ruling is an extension of the order issued on August 23. The defense has presented detailed submissions regarding the suspect’s current medical condition. In addition to recent reports, medical records from 2016 and 2017 were also submitted. Furthermore, a specialized medical board comprising six doctors from the Colombo National Hospital has provided a report on the suspect’s health. While the accuracy of these reports cannot be verified at this stage, the court trusts that they were issued responsibly by qualified professionals. In light of the suspect’s present medical condition, the court orders that he be released on bail.”

End Of Quote.

The Magistrate also scheduled the next hearing for October 29.