Ranil goes abroad amidst impeachment risk

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe left for Singapore yesterday (15) for a series of medical tests related to his health condition. It is reported that he is scheduled to be hospitalized next Wednesday (18) for these tests.

He has departed amidst ongoing court cases against him and the risk of indictments being filed.

Close sources to the former President have confirmed that after these medical tests and related treatments are completed, he will remain in the hospital for another two or three weeks to rest.

Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General Dilipa Peiris, representing the Attorney General in the illegal UK travel case heard at the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court on January 28, stated that investigations related to the incident are currently about ninety percent complete. He further informed the court that these investigations would be fully completed within another month, and charges would be filed in March, leading to prosecution.

Although indictments may be filed in March after the investigations are complete, a specific date for the case to be recalled has not yet been announced. It is expected that after such indictments are filed, the case will be referred from the Magistrate's Court to a higher court. Concurrently, while further hearings for other existing cases or charges are scheduled for April 29, the filing of charges expected in March is considered the next major step in the main case.

Currently, there is no travel ban imposed on Ranil Wickremesinghe by the court, but such a ban could be imposed after indictments are filed. His overseas travel provides a temporary opportunity to avoid these court proceedings. It is not easy to extend a tourist visa in Singapore for more than a month.