Former President granted bail

The Colombo Fort Magistrate Court has granted bail to Sri Lanka’s ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was arrested on Aug. 22, for allegedly misusing state funds.

The bail was granted on health grounds following Tuesday’s hearing, amid tight security around the court, where Mr. Wickremesinghe’s supporters had gathered.

Soon after he was remanded in custody on Friday (Aug. 22), Mr. Wickremesinghe was transferred to the prison hospital and subsequently to the Colombo National Hospital’s intensive care unit, where he has been receiving treatment since. Hospital officials said the 76-year-old leader’s high blood pressure and diabetes condition needed monitoring. Mr. Wickremesinghe joined the court hearing from the ICU via Zoom, local media reported.

The development, which comes amid the National People’s Power government’s crackdown on corruption, is the first instance of a former Head of State in Sri Lanka facing arrest.

Past presidents, including Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunga and Maithripala Sirisena, and several opposition leaders condemned the arrest, contending that it amounted to “political revenge” by the ruling Dissanayake administration. Government spokespersons have maintained that “everyone is equal before the law,”