High-Stakes Bail: Ranil Wickremesinghe's Custodial Saga

A Sri Lankan court granted bail to former president Ranil Wickremesinghe for alleged misuse of state funds. The 76-year-old joined court proceedings virtually from the hospital. Despite serious health issues, his bail was contested by state attorneys. The case will resume at the end of October.

In a dramatic turn of events, a Sri Lankan court granted bail to former president Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday, amid allegations of misusing state funds. The 76-year-old leader, currently receiving medical treatment, was released on bail under strict conditions.

Wickremesinghe's legal team argued for his release citing severe health concerns, including arterial blockage and a lung infection. Nevertheless, the state opposed the request, urging he remains in custody until the trial concludes later this year.

As tensions mounted outside Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court, a heavy police presence was noted. The case has drawn widespread attention, marking Wickremesinghe as the first Sri Lankan head of state to be arrested post-independence, following a probe into his alleged misuse of funds for a UK trip.

(With inputs from agencies.)