The United National Party (UNP) has claimed that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe chose to undergo medical treatment in Singapore due to pressure faced by doctors in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at a media briefing, UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena alleged that seven specialist doctors from the National Hospital of Sri Lanka who had treated Wickremesinghe were repeatedly summoned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), subjecting them to mental distress.

Abeywardena said that this situation had raised serious concerns about how authorities might act if Wickremesinghe were to undergo surgery in Sri Lanka.

“Some are now questioning why the former President sought treatment in Singapore instead of Sri Lanka. When considering the pressure exerted on the seven specialist doctors who reported his serious condition, there is a strong doubt as to how the CID and the Government would behave if he were to undergo another surgical procedure locally,” he said.

He further stated that, under such circumstances, seeking treatment abroad was the most appropriate course of action, as it would prevent medical professionals from being subjected to undue pressure or scrutiny.

Abeywardena also noted that while Sri Lanka had succeeded in building a strong free healthcare system over the past 76 years, the country had failed to establish robust governance structures.

“As a result, obtaining treatment in a foreign country ensures that doctors are not taken in for questioning and avoids such complications. In a situation of uncertainty, leaving Sri Lanka to receive treatment is the best decision,” he added.