The British High Commission in Sri Lanka took to social media today to categorically deny unfounded rumors that its High Commissioner attended the court hearing of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, urging the public to rely solely on official channels for accurate information.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the High Commission stated:
“Claims that the High Commissioner attended former President Wickremesinghe’s court hearing today are false. Please refer to this account or the High Commissioner’s official handle @AndrewPtkFCDO for accurate updates on the activities of the High Commission and High Commissioner.”
This clarification highlights the swirl of misinformation surrounding high-profile political events in the nation, amid ongoing tensions following the 2024 presidential election.
The statement came on the same day that Wickremesinghe, 75, was granted bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court in a case alleging the misappropriation of approximately 16.6 million rupees (around $55,000) in state funds. The funds were reportedly used to finance a 2023 trip to the United Kingdom linked to an event attended by his wife, during his tenure as president from 2022 to 2024. Wickremesinghe, arrested on August 22 and initially remanded in custody, did not appear in person due to health complications; instead, he participated virtually via Zoom from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Colombo National Hospital, where he is being treated for multiple ailments.
Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura ordered his release on three surety bails of 5 million rupees each.
