Security around the Fort Magistrate’s Court premises has been significantly tightened, with both the Police and the Special Task Force deployed to ensure protection.
According to reports, the case numbers of all individuals entering the court are being thoroughly checked, while their belongings and persons are subject to strict searches. Access to Kew Road has been restricted, with only residents and lawyers permitted to enter.
The case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under the Public Property Act over alleged misappropriation of public funds, is scheduled to be heard before the Fort Magistrate’s Court today (26).
The court had earlier ordered that the former President, who was taken into custody on the 22nd, be remanded until today. Following his arrest, he was admitted to the Prison Hospital due to health concerns, and subsequently transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Colombo National Hospital on medical advice.
At present, the former President is receiving treatment at the ICU of the Colombo National Hospital. He is officially scheduled to be produced before the court today. However, given his current medical condition, a committee of five specialist doctors has been appointed to monitor his health. The committee is expected to make recommendations on whether or not he should be presented in court.
