Former Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena says former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa has been advised by doctors not to undertake air travel due to his current health condition.

Speaking during a media briefing held yesterday, Abeywardena stated that Rajapaksa’s medical condition was such that even airlines were unwilling to assume responsibility for his travel.

Responding to a question raised by journalists regarding the warrant issued over Rajapaksa’s failure to appear before court, Abeywardena said that issuing a warrant when an individual does not appear before court was part of the normal legal process.

He further said that medical reports had made it clear that Basil Rajapaksa was presently not in a condition to endure long-haul flights lasting several hours.

However, Abeywardena stressed that Rajapaksa was prepared to return to Sri Lanka as soon as his health improved.