Tue Aug 26 11:00:46 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was granted bail on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, after being held in remand custody on charges of misusing public funds. He appeared in court virtually from the ICU of a Colombo hospital, where he was admitted due to deteriorating health. He was arrested on Friday, August 22, accused of using LKR 16.6 million for a private trip to the UK in 2023. Wickremesinghe maintains the trip was official and denies the allegations. The court proceedings took place amid tight security and protests.

**News Article:**

**Former Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe Granted Bail Amid Health Concerns**

**Colombo, Sri Lanka – August 26, 2025** – Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was granted bail today by a Colombo court after being held in remand on charges of misusing public funds. The proceedings took place virtually, with the former president appearing from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Colombo National Hospital.

Wickremesinghe was arrested on Friday, August 22nd, by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and remanded to prison. He was later transferred to the hospital after his health deteriorated due to dehydration.

The charges stem from allegations that Wickremesinghe misused LKR 16.6 million to fund a trip to the UK in 2023, where he attended a university convocation for his wife. He vehemently denies the accusations, asserting that the trip was an official state visit as the invitation was extended to the President of Sri Lanka.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura presided over the hearing, which was conducted via Zoom. The court proceedings were held under tight security, with protests taking place outside the court premises.

The granting of bail comes after days of uncertainty surrounding Wickremesinghe’s health and legal status. The case continues to be a closely watched issue in Sri Lanka.

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