Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa has been remanded until October 13 by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, following her arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in connection with an investigation into the Siriliya Saviya account.
During the bail hearing, President’s Counsel Anil Silva presented extensive medical records outlining the 73-year-old’s health complications in an effort to secure bail on exceptional grounds. The defense informed the court that Rajapaksa has been undergoing treatment for a heart condition since 2019, underwent a brain scan in 2021, and suffers from an ongoing condition characterized by sudden dizziness and fainting episodes.
Her legal team further submitted that she battles a spinal condition alongside varicose veins, rendering it challenging for her to carry out certain daily tasks without physical assistance. The defense maintained that remanding Rajapaksa would create severe stress and pose an acute risk to her physical well-being, requesting the bench to release her on bail.
Key Developments
- The Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered Shiranthi Rajapaksa to remain in remand custody until October 13 following her arrest over the Siriliya Saviya inquiry.
- President’s Counsel Anil Silva submitted comprehensive medical documentation citing heart, spinal, neurological, and circulatory issues as exceptional grounds for bail.
- The court granted permission for Rajapaksa to be transported to Nawaloka Hospital at 12:30 p.m. on October 8 to receive specialized treatment for an eye condition.
Although the court declined the bail application and ordered her detention, President’s Counsel Silva subsequently notified the bench that Rajapaksa was also receiving specialized care for an eye ailment at Nawaloka Hospital. The magistrate accommodated the defense request, ordering prison authorities to transport Rajapaksa to Nawaloka Hospital at 12:30 p.m. on October 8 for her scheduled examination with her treating physician.