• The court hearing for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has commenced before Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura.

• A group of lawyers, including Thilak Marapana PC, Anuja Premaratne PC, Upul Jayasuriya PC, and Ali Sabry PC, are appearing on behalf of Wickremesinghe.

• Ranil Wickremesinghe has not been produced in court for the hearing of the case filed under the Public Property Act.

A packed courtroom is awaiting the hearing of the case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Court officials said Wickremesinghe will not be physically present due to his health condition, and will instead join proceedings via Zoom if required.

Hundreds of lawyers were also present inside the court, adding to the heavy turnout of observers as the case was set to begin.

Outside the court complex, opposition supporters launched protests chanting slogans such as “Anura go home,” calling for the Government to step down. The demonstration drew the participation of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who joined protesters voicing anger against the Government.

Police have deployed special security arrangements around the court premises in anticipation of unrest as the case resumes.