President’s Counsel Anil de Silva, appearing for former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa in connection with the Siriliya case, told the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (7) that several of his client’s arteries were blocked and that she was prone to sudden dizziness and fainting.
“My client has several blocked arteries. She suddenly becomes dizzy, faints and falls. It is impossible to predict when this could happen,” de Silva told court while seeking bail for Rajapaksa.
Making further submissions, the President’s Counsel said Rajapaksa was 73 years old and suffering from several medical conditions.
“My client has been receiving treatment for a heart condition since 2019. If a person with such a heart condition is imprisoned, she could even die due to stress. She is also at risk of suffering a heart attack, as several of her arteries are blocked due to cholesterol,” he submitted.
He further told court that Rajapaksa had undergone a brain scan in 2021 and suffered from a condition that could cause sudden dizziness and fainting.
De Silva also said she had a spinal condition and varicose veins, which made it difficult for her to attend to her daily needs without assistance.
He argued that such medical conditions could not be adequately treated in prison and requested that they be considered exceptional circumstances warranting bail.
After considering the submissions, including the Bribery Commission’s position that investigations into the case had not yet been completed, the court released the first suspect, Pradeep Kariyawasam, on bail, while ordering the second suspect, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, to be remanded until 13 October.
Following the remand order, de Silva requested the court to direct prison authorities to produce Rajapaksa before her doctor at Nawaloka Hospital, where she was receiving treatment for an eye condition.
The court subsequently ordered prison authorities to produce Rajapaksa at Nawaloka Hospital at 12.30 p.m. on 8 October for the medical consultation.
