Former Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe has been granted bail after he was arrested last week over allegations that he misused state funds to finance a private trip to London during his presidency.
According to Adaderana, Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupili Lankapura granted bail on three sureties amounting to Rs 5 million each.
Wickremesinghe failed to appear at his court hearing today due to reported health concerns. Following his arrest last week, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Colombo National hospital.
Meanwhile protesters, including opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, gathered outside Colombo Fort Magistrate to express solidarity with Wickremesinghe. Protesters were seen chanting "Anura go home" as court proceedings went on.
The arrest of the former president marks the first time a former head of state has ever been detained in Sri Lanka.
The next hearing will take place on October 29.
