Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was granted bail despite insufficient evidence to conclude that he was in a critical condition and receiving medical treatment, Fort Magistrate Isuru Netthikumara stated yesterday (18).
Legal proceedings against the former President on charges of misappropriating Rs. 16.6 million in state funds by undertaking a private visit under the guise of an official visit were reconvened before the Fort Magistrate’s Court.
A bail order was also issued in relation to former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, who had been remanded on charges of aiding and abetting former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in committing the alleged offence.
Accordingly, the Fort Magistrate’s Court ordered the release of Saman Ekanayake, who had been remanded for 21 days, on bail. The seven-page bail order was delivered by Fort Magistrate Isuru Netthikumara.
In his order, the Magistrate stated:
“The charge against the second suspect in this case is that he abetted the first suspect in the crime allegedly committed by the first suspect as the highest public official of the Republic by approving a financial fraud suspected of being committed by the Head of State.
According to the facts presented so far, it appears that the suspect approved state finances solely based on the decisions of lower officials without confirming whether the foreign visit of the Head of State was private or official. If such approval is granted by the highest public official of the Republic, serious concerns arise regarding the management of state finances.
At a time when funds were scarce, he should have personally verified the matter before granting approval. Failing to do so amounts to irresponsible conduct. Therefore, it is observed that this suspect acted with criminal intent.
However, when considering the overall circumstances of the case, the first suspect, Ranil Wickremesinghe, bears greater responsibility than the second suspect. Despite this, this court granted bail to the first suspect on medical grounds. Although the bail order stated that the first suspect was suffering from a terminal illness, it was not observed that he was receiving treatment for such an illness at the time of his arrest. Furthermore, it has not been revealed that he received treatment for such a terminal illness even after being granted bail.
The medical reports considered in issuing the bail order were not reports obtained in accordance with a court directive. Therefore, I observe that bail was granted without sufficient evidence to conclude that the first suspect was undergoing treatment in a terminal condition.
According to the supreme Constitution of the country, all persons are equal before the law. The law cannot be applied differently to the first suspect, the President, and the second suspect, the Secretary to the President. Therefore, this circumstance is not a reason to deny bail to the second suspect. The suspect is ordered to be released on two surety bonds of Rs. 20 million each.”
Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed court regarding ongoing investigations.
He stated:
“Your Honor, in compliance with the court’s order, the questionnaire sent to the University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom, both in writing and by email, has not yet received a response.
However, yesterday a rumor circulated on social media claiming that the Wolverhampton report had been received and that the case had been completely undermined. Your Honor, this case is to proceed before a three-member High Court bench.
In the meantime, certain individuals are making organized attempts to create psychological fear within society and discourage witnesses from testifying. There are legal professionals who do not present their arguments in court but instead hold press conferences. We intend to take legal action against such individuals in the future.”
