A dramatic courtroom showdown unfolds as lawyers for Sri Lanka’s most powerful political figures present grave medical claims from blocked arteries to dementia in a bid to secure bail amid corruption cases that continue to shake the nation.
A growing number of high profile corruption and fraud cases linked to previous governments have now reached court, with charges filed against former Presidents and former Ministers. In several of these cases, lawyers have presented serious medical reports in order to secure bail for their clients. This trend resurfaced most prominently during the recent hearings involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
In court, lawyers detailed the severe health conditions of Ranil Wickremesinghe, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, Prasanna Ranatunga and Daisy Forrest while requesting that they be released on bail.
Regarding the medical condition of Ranil Wickremesinghe, President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne told the court that multiple examinations were conducted after his client was remanded and that the findings were not intended for court submissions. He stated, “Following these tests, it was revealed that the suspect cannot be kept in the prison hospital. As a result, he was transferred to the National Hospital and is now receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.” He further added, “Three arteries near the suspect’s heart are blocked. Because these blockages are close to the heart muscles, surgery cannot be performed. His diabetes is elevated. His blood pressure is high. He also has kidney related issues. There is a complication in the upper part of his pancreas. He also experiences periods of breathlessness while asleep. His breathing stops for two to three minutes at a time. He requires 24 hour medical supervision.”
Shifting to former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, President’s Counsel Premaratne explained, “This suspect suffers from sleep apnea. According to medical reports, he experiences 35 breathing interruptions per hour. He must use a sleep apnea machine that requires monitoring. He has been in prison for nearly a month without this machine.” He argued that Shasheendra’s blood pressure had risen and that his life was in danger.
President’s Counsel Nalin Ladduwahetty, appearing for Prasanna Ranatunga, stated that due to a previous surgical procedure, his client cannot consume regular meals and must eat small portions every four hours with prescribed supplements, asserting that failure to do so could endanger his life.
In the case of Daisy Forrest, President’s Counsel Anil Silva informed the court that his 98 year old client suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. He told the court that she cannot understand the charges or participate meaningfully in the proceedings.
After hearing all submissions, Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued his order.
