Prison is not safe place for a former President: Ranil’s Counsel argues

22 August 2025 09:37 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 20 Bookmark

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By Bhagya Silva

Colombo, August 22 (Daily Mirror) - President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, appearing for former president Ranil Wickremesinghe, applied for bail.

“Your Honour, this suspect has already been cleared of similar allegations by judgements of the Supreme Court. This investigation is based on an internal inquiry carried out by the Presidential Secretariat, but the report of the National Audit Office shows no such fraud. This investigation was commenced merely on a complaint by the present President’s Secretary. This case has been filed only because the immunity of a President was removed. Otherwise, such cases cannot be filed. This case has been filed with malice and without properly examining the basis of the invitation. The invitation for this visit had come officially through the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and thereafter to the Presidential Secretariat. Therefore, it was entirely an official visit to the United Kingdom.

Your Honour, according to what was stated on YouTube yesterday, it was said that the suspect, the former President, would be remanded for fourteen days. How can they say such a thing?. And the suspect is 76 years old, suffering from heart disease for seven years, as well as diabetes and hypertension. For the first time today, it is revealed that his wife is a cancer patient. They have no children and depend solely on each other. He is scheduled to be the chief guest at the Commonwealth Youth Council in India on August 24. Prison is not a safe place for a former President. I therefore respectfully request Your Honour to release my client on suitable bail conditions.”

Comments - 20

banku hora Friday, 22 August 2025 09:47 PM

One law should be applied all citizen.. If someone is committed crime, he deserves fair trail.

8 73

Sunimal Friday, 22 August 2025 10:47 PM

MRs house may be a safe place. He will have company of another convict.

0 5

Athula Mendis Friday, 22 August 2025 09:53 PM

Misused of public Propeties is a crime.no bail. No one beyond the law.

7 60

Namal Saturday, 23 August 2025 01:31 AM

A clear message to the traitors who hoodwink the public and the country. Finally the judicial system is operating independently and without interference.

1 5

Dr. Dee esquire Saturday, 23 August 2025 08:42 AM

What about burning public property? Not a crime?

31 3

Kirihāmi Saturday, 23 August 2025 01:15 PM

What about summary justice delivered by death squads on those who alleged to have burnt public property?

0 14

Mizaru Friday, 22 August 2025 10:06 PM

The President Office in not a safe place to loot or rob.

8 62

Rogue Friday, 22 August 2025 10:23 PM

He should have thought of that before committing his crimes. He's not alone and his close friends Rajapakse family will join him soon.

10 70

P-PS Saturday, 23 August 2025 09:07 AM

The presidency was granted to Ranil by the clan without peoples consent, so it deemed a private assignment and the appointed president deserves a special salary for the services rendered, as the fled president Gota cannot renounce power under any circumstance according to the constitution.

0 2

Jude Friday, 22 August 2025 10:24 PM

Don't do the Crime if you can't do the time!!!

0 0

Pierre Gunesekera Friday, 22 August 2025 10:46 PM

This should give him, at least, a minimal experience of those who were incarcerated at Batalanda with no hope at all.

1 3

Joshua Friday, 22 August 2025 10:47 PM

Is the prison safe place for ordinary citizen. Will the same lawyer argue that way for others? What nonsense

1 1

Rogrnil Saturday, 23 August 2025 12:26 AM

Ranil is not a former President; he was a National List MP-turned caretaker leader for the interim government after the US PLOT ousted Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a people's leader who won 2/3 majority, winning the hearts and minds of the people.

0 3

Stephen Peiris Saturday, 23 August 2025 01:25 AM

A well-educated person and a person who ruled the country ,should have known the consequences before approving or giving a decision prior to it.

1 3

Perera Saturday, 23 August 2025 03:13 AM

If you do the crime you got to do the time, no exceptions.

0 1

Dr Soori Maripalan Saturday, 23 August 2025 04:28 AM

It should have been ready for him long ago for the crimes he has done in the past including Batalanda, BAnk Robbery, saving Rajapassa Hora Kalli etc etc! This is a better place then the HELL for him - the next step - this is a training!

1 2

wickrama Wijayasiri Saturday, 23 August 2025 04:55 AM

How can one get heart disease without having one? They all were counting on the President's immunity when they committed their crimes. Glad that it is taken away. However, it was intended to address any accusations against what they may have done while carrying out their duties as president. Even the accused has accepted that the visit was a private one. RW should get a good lawyer for himself.

0 1

GIA.LANKA Saturday, 23 August 2025 04:59 AM

YES PRISON IS NOT THE PLACE FOR THIS HUTHIGAY PUTHA RANIL WICKREMESINGHE, HE MUST BE KEPT AT 7 STAR NEW HOTEL CINAMMON DREAMS THEN THE BUGGER CAN BE HAPPY

0 3

Tilny Saturday, 23 August 2025 05:02 AM

Why is not minister Kumar Jayakody not yet arrested for $8 million fraud?

16 4

Vincent Kajjah Saturday, 23 August 2025 02:42 PM

Is there a court case against him? If not, why don't you file one?

0 0

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