Sri Lanka, Aug. 27 -- The Chairman of the United National Party, former minister Vajira Abeywardena, has claimed that the 43-acre land where Welikada Prison is located belonged to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe's family and his grandmother.

He stated that he possesses the title deeds and would provide a copy to the media.

Abeywardena made the remarks at a media briefing held at the Mal Pura office today (27).

Abeywardena called the past week a "historic black mark" on Sri Lanka.

He revealed that the International Democratic Union (IDU), where Wickremesinghe once served as Vice-President, had issued a statement expressing "deep concern" over his arrest.

According to the statement, the former president's health deteriorated rapi...