The case related to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe commenced a short while ago. A large number of lawyers, including parliamentarians and former MPs with legal backgrounds, were present in court to appear on behalf of the remanded former President.
Hundreds of Wickremesinghe’s supporters, along with members of the Joint Opposition, gathered in Fort today demanding his immediate release. However, they were prevented from marching towards the Fort Magistrate’s Court, where the case is being heard this afternoon.
Police have tightened security around key locations, including the Fort Magistrate’s Court, the Colombo National Hospital, and nearby areas. The hearing was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
Additional security has also been deployed in Slave Island, where opposition groups mobilized supporters to march towards the court. Both main roads leading to the Fort Magistrate’s Court from Kew Road have been blocked with barriers, while access through Barrack Lane has been restricted. Only accredited journalists and authorized individuals are permitted to enter through these routes.
Meanwhile, a large group organized by political parties has gathered near the Slave Island Kovil at the end of Kew Road, awaiting entry to the court vicinity.
