Cheers Outside Colombo Court as Ranil Walks Free on Bail

Colombo was buzzing with chatter today as former President Ranil Wickremesinghe walked out on bail, sending his supporters into a wave of cheers, claps, and celebratory smiles outside the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Ranil, facing allegations of misusing Rs. 16.6 million in government funds for what prosecutors call a “private overseas jaunt” with a group of ten, appeared in court amid heavy media presence. The Magistrate, Nilupili Lankapura, granted him bail on three sureties of Rs. 5 million each, easing the tension for his camp.

The case has stirred major headlines, especially as Wickremesinghe now holds the title of being the first Sri Lankan former president ever arrested—a twist in political history that has the rumor mills working overtime.

He was originally admitted to the prison hospital citing health woes, but was later transferred to the National Hospital after further assessments. Even so, his loyalists celebrated his release as a political victory, gathering in numbers outside the court premises, waving, cheering, and hailing his “strength” despite the scandal.

The court scheduled the next hearing for October 29, keeping the nation on edge as both critics and admirers watch the drama unfold.

For now, Colombo’s streets are echoing with whispers and excitement—because Ranil is out, and the political stage just got a lot more interesting.