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Supporters commend Ranil Wickremesinghe’s release
Colombo, August 27 (Daily Mirror) - What began as a tense and emotionally charged protest turned into a scene of jubilation yesterday at the Fort Magistrate's Court, as news broke that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had been granted bail in a case related to the alleged misuse of public funds.
Crowds had gathered outside the courthouse from early afternoon as the case was taken up. Protesters held placards and chanted slogans, some reading “Ranil come back,” and “Pelawatte for the Pelawatte by Pelawatte.” Others directed their frustration at the government, shouting slogans like “Anura go home” and “Rata Bera gath nayakayata jaya wewa” (Victory to the leader who saved the country).
A tense stand-off occurred at the courthouse entrance when a group of Buddhist monks were barred from entering. Police constables at the gate informed the monks that a senior officer had issued orders denying them entry. “Who is this officer who gave the order? Just reveal his name!” one monk was heard saying. Among the monks present were Venerable Thinyawala Gnanaloka Thera and Venerable Ambanpola Gnanaratana Thera. They later lodged a formal complaint with the police.
In another incident, a YouTuber was reportedly attacked by a member of the crowd. Attempting to escape, the YouTuber took cover behind a police officer, who was subsequently struck in the face and sustained injuries.
However, the tension soon gave way to loud cheers and emotional scenes as news spread that Wickremesinghe had been granted bail. Some politicians visibly broke down while speaking to the media.
A large number of MPs were present at the court premises. SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa made a passionate statement, saying, “We are ready for anything. The current government has already begun targeting my family. My father tried to save JVP members during the 1989 insurrection, yet today they are after him.”
Former MP Hirunika Premachandra also spoke emotionally, criticising what she described as the moral decline in society. “Some people are even wishing for the death of former President Wickremesinghe and his wife, Maithree, who is battling cancer. That’s why I feel compelled to go to the JVP headquarters and shout, ‘Anura, Anura,’” she said.
MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake called for unity among opposition parties: “I don’t care who leads—what matters now is that we all come together under one banner.”
When asked whether Wickremesinghe would return to Parliament, former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara dismissed the possibility. “If Mr. Wickremesinghe wanted to return to Parliament, he would have done so already,” he said.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also welcomed the court's decision. “This proves once again that no one can interfere with the judiciary. We are pleased with the outcome, and it underscores the independence of our legal system,” he said.
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