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), causing them significant mental stress.

Abeywardena said this situation raised concerns about how authorities might treat medical professionals if Wickremesinghe were to undergo further surgery in Sri Lanka.

He further claimed that under such circumstances, seeking treatment abroad was the most appropriate option to avoid undue pressure or scrutiny on doctors.

Abeywardena also noted that while Sri Lanka has developed a strong free healthcare system over the past 76 years, governance challenges remain.

He added that receiving treatment overseas helps ensure that doctors are not subjected to investigations or questioning, and said that in a situation of uncertainty, seeking medical care abroad was the best decision.