Ranil granted bail despite AG's objections

JVP-led NPP seeking to establish one-party rule: Opposition

- BY SANATH NANAYAKKARE

Reiterating that the NPP government was seeking a lone-party rule, the SJB-led Opposition yesterday (26) vowed to stand by former President and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, 76, as the latter received bail in spite of the Attorney General advocating that he should be remanded until the conclusion of the case.

The case will be taken up again on 29 October.

Wickremesinghe, who is receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital, joined the hearing virtually via Zoom.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura released Wickremesinghe on three surety bonds of Rs. 5 million each.

The bail was approved primarily on medical grounds after the former leader was hospitalised shortly after his remand.

Earlier in the day, Prisons Department Spokesperson Jagath Weerasinghe said if the Colombo Fort Magistrate issued an order for the former President to be granted access to the proceedings via Zoom, it could be arranged.