Monday, August 30, 2010
"No one can forget the fact that Yoshitha went around with the ‘Blue Brigade’, campaigning for his father. I’m not saying that was wrong, but that was definitely doing politics while in uniform because as far as I know, he still is a navy officer and I don’t see a court martial in the horizon for him. Then again, there were some difference between Yoshitha and my father. Firstly, my father is not a Rajapaksa and secondly, my father retired from his position before he went on into politics. So given these confusing definitions and convictions, I’m guessing that the true meaning of doing politics in uniform lies in who is the final arbiter of the decision."
My Father Has Scars To Prove His Work
“You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result.”
by Apsara Fonseka
(August 30, Washington, Sri Lanka Guardian) Almost two weeks ago, after six whole months of illegal detention and many court cases, my father’s first court martial case convicted him of doing politics while in uniform.
I must say, this did not come as any surprise to us since we knew that the verdict was written by this regime a long time ago. We knew our father would be found guilty until proven innocent, not the other way around. But the fact that we were not even given a chance to argue the case in court was not something we expected. Many probably don’t know that the case was heard and closed without even having our lawyers present – we did not even have a chance to bring forth our evidence.
I heard the Defence Secretary has started to ‘clean up’ the army.
This is the reason he had given for dishonourably discharging my father. His comment made me wonder if it was the panel or his verdict that was handed out in court. His comment sounded as if he knew what the verdict would be at the end. Anyhow, I sincerely hope that he will not stop with the army with this ‘clean up’. I hope the other forces too will see this ‘cleaning’. Especially because if this verdict is true, he surely cannot forget the fact that the President Rajapaksa’s second son and his nephew too did politics while in uniform.
No one can forget the fact that Yoshitha went around with the ‘Blue Brigade’, campaigning for his father. I’m not saying that was wrong, but that was definitely doing politics while in uniform because as far as I know, he still is a navy officer and I don’t see a court martial in the horizon for him. Then again, there were some difference between Yoshitha and my father. Firstly, my father is not a Rajapaksa and secondly, my father retired from his position before he went on into politics. So given these confusing definitions and convictions, I’m guessing that the true meaning of doing politics in uniform lies in who is the final arbiter of the decision.
I’m very interested to see what the Defence Secretary’s thoughts would be on this.
Many, including personnel in the military are disgusted with this conviction. One respectable officer went on to say that it was sickening to hear such verdicts against the General. They seem to think that if this was done to the highest ranking officer in the army, what kind of a guarantee would they have? While some believe no good deed goes unpunished, some others seem to believe the best way to survive or to get promoted inside the military is to certainly do politics ‘while’ in uniform. It seems fair to consider so, because wasn’t that what happened during the presidential election? Didn’t several high-ranking officers come on national television to campaign for the President? Were they not promoted? Were they not given high positions in organisations?
I personally don’t understand why the government wants to accuse others when they themselves wanted to bring my father into politics. I remember in one incident, the President himself asked my father to participate in a political meeting held down South. I also remember my father very clearly saying that he will not get on any stage while he was still serving the forces.
On many other occasions, I know many more government officials came to our home, while my father was still the CDS and asked him if he would like to join the government and do politics. Even government officials working abroad flew in just to do so. However, my father’s answer remained the same. So, why blame my father for coming in to politics when they clearly wanted him to join in the first place? I guess the answer is simple – He didn’t join ‘them’.
My father’s reaction to this verdict was priceless. He showed no worry regarding it. When I asked if he was saddened by the verdict and if he felt as if all his efforts and sacrifices were in vain, he merely smiled and said that these little obstacles would not affect him. He said that although the government had the power to take away his ranks, they will never be able to take away the pride and happiness he felt every time he achieved them. He said that no matter who takes what away, they could never take the memories he built as an army officer and that there will never be any regrets for serving his country.
I personally have no worries about my father losing his ranks. Neither does any member of my family. In fact, I really don’t think any Sri Lankan really cares about this verdict. It was simply another drama created for the whole world to see. My father wrote history and that can never be stolen or erased. He marked his name. He has scars to prove his work. He neither begged nor did favours to get where he did. He believes that actions always speak louder than words and that is what brought him all the respect and honour.
He didn’t run away to another country when things became dangerous or when governments changed. He faced all obstacles that came his way and he held his head up high through it all. So, just because some person gave a verdict to make another person happy and for someone to feel superior and strong, people will always remember. He will always be remembered as the army commander who was able to architect a plan to finish a war. That fact will not change. As the people say, he will always be the General of the public. Nothing or no one can change that fact.
My family and I, with many other Sri Lankans, will always honour and respect my father for all he has done for the country. So, it doesn’t matter. History has already been written and my father’s efforts will always be remembered. There is no power that can take that away.
Many already know the final outcome. The government will try to convict him before the next parliament period if not earlier. They will then sentence him to jail with an extended time period and will make sure he loses his seat in parliament. This is to be expected.
What is not known is how the people will react.
I hope we will always fight for democracy for the sake of our future.
We have nothing left if we have no say, except, to remember Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result.”
Apsara Fonseka
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My husband’s life is at stake : General’s wife expresses fear
Mrs.Anoma Fonseka
(Lanka-e-News 11.Dec.2010 9.20PM) The General’s wife Anoma Fonseka said that though she is at home , she is haunted by the fear that the life of her husband who is in custody is in grave peril .She hasn’t much fear about hers or her children’s lives.
If her husband , a world recognized war Hero can be assaulted and arrested before the very eyes of JVP leader Somwansa Amerasinghe, SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem , DNF leader Mano Ganeshan and JVP M.P. Handhunetti , what cant they do to him when he is in their custody ? she asked. She is therefore in great fear for the safety of her husband’s life , she stated .
Anoma Fonseka expressed these fears at a media briefing this morning (11) held at the General’s office.
About 40 members of our staff who worked in our office have been taken into custody . The state media states that we have conspired against the Govt. If so the Govt. must tell us what was the conspiracy.
On the January 26th night we heard that they are going to take us into custody . My husband , myself and relatives took refuge in the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel . We did not go there to hatch a plot . There were so many other party leaders , MPs in the Hotel with us . If we had conspired to overthrow the Govt , why is the Govt. arresting only my husband without arresting all including us and our relatives ? she asked.
It is the jungle laws that are being practiced even in the Army . The Sri Lanka people know well who is behind these jungle laws. The enunciations of Ministers Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Keheliya Rambukwella and Army spokesperson Prasad Samarasinghe are contradictory in regard to the arrest of my husband .Their accusations are unfounded and baseless , she pointed out.
She was given permission to see her husband only after she made a request to the Int. Red Cross . My husband is confined to a very small room in the Colombo Naval Headquarters . You cant even speak with him freely. The navy and the Army are inside and outside the room guarding him , she added.
Because of the injuries her husband sustained during the war, he has to continuously and regularly take medicines. Her husband had made a request to the Army Commander to provide him with the services of a Doctor attached to Army Hospital who is fully conversant with his sickness , but this has also been turned down, she bemoaned.
Even after the arrest the Govt. did not allow us to stay in peace . The CID too came to our house and interrogated . What is the crime we have committed for them to harass us this cruelly . But let me tell the President and the Govt. that they cant crush us by driving us into mental despair . Let them know that the whole country is aware that it is my husband who is the true President and not Mahinda Rajapakse on the actual polling based on the votes of the people , , she emphasized.
The questions posed by the media and the answers given by her are as follows :
Q
Though you say Fonseka was arrested without valid grounds , Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa told the media that on the day of his arrest , Gen. Fonseka has made a statement to the BBC broadcasting service that if war crime charges have occurred , and if he is requested to lead evidence in the international investigation , he would do so. Was this the reason why your husband arrested?
A
I cant make my comments on this . I was at home at that time . My husband was in Office .
BBC Sandesaya local correspondent Elmo Fernando who was present made a clarification in relation to this question………..
It is true that on the day of arrest , Gen. Fonseka made a statement to the BBC media unit. The Army took him into custody at 9.30 in the night , but Gen . Fonseka ‘s statement was broadcast by the BBC at 10.00 p.m. Hence , it is incorrect to say that he was arrested because of his statement made to the BBC.
If Fonseka has made any statement to us , he made them not at an interview but when answering questions raised by our media personnel at media meetings.
La vie de mon mari est en jeu: l'épouse du général exprime la peur
Mrs.Anoma Fonseka
(Lanka-e-News 11.Dec.2010 9.20PM) La femme du général Fonseka Anoma dit que si elle est chez elle, elle est hantée par la crainte que la vie de son mari qui est en garde à vue est en péril grave. Elle n 't beaucoup de peur sur la sienne ou la vie de ses enfants.
Si son mari, un monde reconnu héros de guerre peut être agressé et arrêté sous les yeux même de JVP Somwansa leader Amerasinghe, SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem, DNF leader Mano Ganeshan et JVP MP Handhunetti, ce cant-ils faire pour lui quand il est dans leur garde? elle demandé. Elle est donc dans une grande crainte pour la sécurité de la vie de son mari, elle a indiqué.
Anoma Fonseka exprimé ces craintes à un point de presse ce matin (11) qui s'est tenue au bureau du général.
Environ 40 membres de notre personnel qui ont travaillé dans nos bureaux ont été placés en détention. Les médias d'État des États que nous avons conspiré contre la Govt. Si c'est le cas du Gouvernement. doit nous dire quelle était la conspiration.
Dans la nuit 26th Janvier, nous avons entendu qu'ils vont nous emmener en détention. Mon mari, moi-même et les proches se sont réfugiés à l'Hôtel Lakeside Cinnamon. Nous ne sommes pas là pour faire éclore un complot. Il y avait des dirigeants du parti tant d'autres, les députés de l'Hôtel avec nous. Si on avait comploté pour renverser le gouv, pourquoi la Govt. arrêtant seulement mon mari sans arrêter tous, y compris nous et nos proches? elle demandé.
C'est la jungle des lois qui sont pratiquées même dans l'armée. Le peuple du Sri Lanka savons très bien qui est derrière ces lois jungle. Les énoncés des ministres Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Keheliya Rambukwella et porte-parole de l'armée Prasad Samarasinghe sont contradictoires en ce qui concerne l'arrestation de mon mari. Leurs accusations sont sans fondement et dénuées de fondement, elle fait remarquer.
On lui a donné la permission de voir son mari après qu'elle a fait une demande à l'Int. Croix-Rouge. Mon mari est confiné à une toute petite salle au siège de la Marine de Colombo. Tu ne peux même parler avec lui librement. La marine et l'armée sont à l'intérieur qu'à l'extérieur de la salle de garde de lui, at-elle ajouté.
En raison des blessures subies son mari pendant la guerre, il doit en permanence et prennent régulièrement des médicaments. Son mari avait fait une demande au commandant de l'armée de lui fournir les services d'un médecin attaché à l'Armée de l'hôpital qui est pleinement au courant de sa maladie, mais cela a également été rejetée, elle déploré.
Même après l'arrestation du Gouvernement. ne nous permettait pas de rester en paix. Le CID sont aussi venues à notre maison et interrogés. Quel est le crime que nous avons commis pour eux de nous harceler cette cruellement. Mais permettez-moi de dire au Président et du Gouvernement. cant qu'ils nous écraser par nous conduire au désespoir mentale. Faites-leur savoir que tout le pays est conscient que c'est mon mari qui est le vrai président Mahinda Rajapakse et non pas sur le scrutin réelle basée sur les votes du peuple, elle a insisté.
Les questions posées par les médias et les réponses données par elle sont comme suit:
Q
Bien que vous dites Fonseka a été arrêté sans motif valable, ministre Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena et NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa déclaré aux médias que le jour de son arrestation, le général Fonseka a fait une déclaration au service de radiodiffusion BBC que si des accusations de crimes de guerre ont eu lieu, et s'il est demandé de produire une preuve à l'enquête internationale, il le ferait. Etait-ce la raison pour laquelle votre mari arrêté?
Un
Je ne peux pas faire mes commentaires sur ce point. J'étais à la maison à ce moment. Mon mari était dans Office.
BBC locales Sandesaya correspondant Elmo Fernando qui était présent a apporté une précision par rapport à cette question ... ... ... ..
Il est vrai que, le jour de l'arrestation, le général Fonseka a fait une déclaration à l'unité des médias BBC. L'armée lui a tenu la garde à 9h30 dans la nuit, mais gén. Fonseka 's déclaration a été diffusée par la BBC à 10.00 pm Par conséquent, il est incorrect de dire qu'il a été arrêté en raison de sa déclaration faite à la BBC.
Si Fonseka a fait une déclaration à nous, il leur fit pas à une entrevue, mais en répondant aux questions soulevées par le personnel des médias à nos rencontres avec les médias.
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Major General Manawadu treated my husband like an animal –Anoma Fonseka
(Lanka-e-News, Feb.09, 2010, 7.35PM) Addressing a special media briefing today at General Fonseka’s residence, wife of the General, Anoma Fonseka said, her husband General Sarath Fonseka was arrested by Major General Manawadu and his group of front line Army officers yesterday night (08).
But, as her husband is a retired Army officer, he cannot be taken into custody under the military laws, and therefore he can be arrested only by the Police.
As there is now news of his whereabouts or his fate up to this point of time, and as no officer had given her any information about her husband even though she is the General’s wife after he was taken away, this is not a lawful arrest but an illegal abduction by the Govt. she pointed out.
As my husband has retired from the Army, he cannot be arrested by the military. Even if they are to make an arrest, an Officer of a higher rank than he should have done the arrest and in a more decent manner. He was caught by his hands and legs carried, dragged and bundled into the vehicle. This is the way Manawadu treated my husband. When the officers were reluctant to take him this way, Manawadu has shouted at the other officers ‘moova aragena palayan’ (take this fellow away).
‘Is this the gift you are giving to my husband who destroyed the worst terrorist outfit in the world and saved the country for the good of all including you all and the future generation ?’, I wish to ask from the rulers. As long as he wore the uniform he never talked about politics. He respected the Army discipline to the utmost. This Manawadu, the officer also of the Army treated my husband more disdainfully than how he would treat an animal. Though he is of the Army he had not learnt discipline from my husband – he did not know how a senior officer should be treated. All these years I thought our Army was a disciplined lot.
If the Govt. has truly won the elections this is not the way it should celebrate it degrading and disgracing the very war hero who they extolled after the victory. But now he is considered a villain, all because he stood for Presidential elections against the President. According to information we received the Govt. is deeply in its toils searching for charges to frame against him and justify the arrest (abduction). On the 26th night, myself, my daughters and relatives were there with him. If he was conspiring to overthrow the Govt. as the Govt. alleges, will he have all of us beside him ?
Hence, I warn all women that this same fate can befall you and your husband tomorrow. Even to your brother or to your father. As women we must all rise against these atrocities and lawlessness. After my husband survived the LTTE suicide bomber’s lethal attack sometime ago, he has to take his prescribed medicines daily. Even to give those medicines, these ruthless and heartless men and Govt. had obstructed me, she grieved.
Major-général Manawadu traité mon mari comme un animal Anoma Fonseka
(Lanka-e-News, Feb.09, 2010, 7.35PM) Lors d'une conférence de presse spéciale aujourd'hui au domicile du général Fonseka, la femme du général, Anoma Fonseka dit, son mari le général Sarath Fonseka a été arrêté par le général de Manawadu et son groupe agents de première ligne de front de l'Armée hier soir (08).
Mais, comme son mari est un officier retraité de l'armée, il ne peut être placé en détention en vertu des lois militaires, et donc il ne peut être arrêtée que par la police.
Comme il ya maintenant des nouvelles de sa localisation ou de son destin à ce point de temps, et comme aucun officier lui avait donné aucune information sur son mari, même si elle est l'épouse du général, après avoir été enlevé, ce n'est pas une arrestation légale, mais un enlèvement illégal par le gouv. elle souligné.
Comme mon mari a pris sa retraite de l'armée, il ne peut être arrêté par les militaires. Même si elles sont utilisées pour effectuer une arrestation, un officier d'un grade supérieur à celui qu'il aurait dû faire l'arrestation et d'une manière plus décente. Il a été pris par les mains et les jambes transportés, traînés et embarqué dans le véhicule. C'est la manière Manawadu traité mon mari. Lorsque les agents ont été réticents à le prendre de cette façon, Manawadu a crié des autres officiers moova aragena Palayan '(prendre ce drôle de distance).
«Est-ce le cadeau que vous donnez à mon mari qui a détruit la pire machine du terrorisme dans le monde et sauvé le pays pour le bien de tous, y compris vous tous et les générations futures?", Je tiens à demander à des dirigeants. Tant qu'il portait l'uniforme, il ne parlait jamais de politique. Il respecte la discipline de l'armée à l'extrême. Cette Manawadu, l'officier de l'armée a également traité mon mari plus dédaigneusement que la façon dont il traiterait un animal. Bien qu'il soit de l'armée qu'il avait pas appris la discipline de mon mari - il ne savait pas comment un officier supérieur doit être traitée. Toutes ces années, j'ai pensé que notre armée était beaucoup discipliné.
Si la Govt. a vraiment gagné les élections ce n'est pas la façon dont il devrait fêter ça dégradant et déshonore le héros de guerre-là même qui ils exaltent après la victoire. Mais maintenant il est considéré comme un traître, tout cela parce qu'il se tenait pour les élections présidentielles contre le président. Selon les informations que nous avons reçu du Gouvernement. est profondément dans ses filets la recherche d'accusations contre lui pour encadrer et justifier l'arrestation (abduction). Dans la nuit le 26, moi, mes filles et mes parents étaient là avec lui. S'il était complot visant à renverser le gouv. que le gouv. allègue, il n'aura de nous tous à côté de lui?
Par conséquent, je mets en garde toutes les femmes que cette même sort puisse arriver à vous et votre mari demain. Même à votre frère ou votre père. En tant que femmes nous devons tous nous lever contre ces atrocités et d'anarchie. Après mon mari survécu à l'attaque meurtrière le kamikaze LTTE il ya quelque temps, il doit prendre ses médicaments prescrits par jour. Même à donner à ces médicaments, ces hommes sans pitié et sans cœur et Govt. m'avait obstrué, elle a déposé un grief.
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The assassination conspiracy charges leveled against General when he was arrested has evaporated into thin air
(Lanka-e-News, March 12, 2010, 7.15PM) The JVP Parliamentary group leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressing a media briefing at JVP Headquarters Battaramulla today (12) said, even though General Sarath Fonseka was arrested on charges of conspiring to assassinate the President, Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse and for overthrowing a legally elected Govt., the charges on which the Govt. is now trying to indict him are totally at variance.
Gen. Fonseka was taken into custody allegedly by the Govt. on charges based on his offences committed when he was in uniform, but now it is very clear it was part of Govt.’s vindictive campaign to wreak revenge, he pointed out.
The President and the defense secretary cannot try General Fonseka in the Military Court for offences allegedly committed by him when he was in the Army service. A habeas corpus action has therefore been filed in the Supreme Court (SC) on the 11th against the abduction and wrongful detention of Fonseka and for his immediate release, he stated.
The President is vested with the power to appoint the Army General or remove him. Except that power the President cannot interfere in other official matters. If he does, the victimized officer can seek redress in the civil Court on grounds of violation of their rights. The Lawyers are now studying whether in the case where an Army Commander is removed from his post, he can go for legal action in a civil Court.
Our lawyers have in the application showed that there is no way by which General Fonseka can be tried before a military Court, Dissanayake noted.
The govt. is excited and in panic to hastily try Gen. Fonseka in the military Court just before the General elections, in order to fasten guilt to Gen. Fonseka and convict him, and show to the people that because he is guilty, he cannot enter Parliament, and hence his winning at the General elections will be unavailing. Kumara Dissanayake recalled how at the Presidential election the govt. similarly made a hue and cry about his voting disqualification (just a mere technical lapse) and tried to paint a picture that he cannot be appointed as the President even if he wins. |
Elections Commissioner reluctant to give Carbon copies
(Lanka-e-News, Feb.09, 2010, 9.55AM) As the Elections Commissioner has still not responded even after a week to the request made to him to forward the carbon copies and sub copies of the documents relating to all the counting centers at the last Presidential election, the CAFFE Organization for free and fair election has sent another letter today (8), inviting his attention to comply with their request.
Keerthi Tennekoon, the Director CAFFE said, this letter in writing is in addition to the numerous telephone calls given to the Elections Commissioner in this regard.
The CAFFE Organization drew the Elections Commissioner’s attention to his refusal to them to carry out election monitoring activities, whereby they were unable to examine the documents pertaining to the election results. Though they had faith in his efforts to hold a free and fair election prior to the elections, they have strong suspicion and doubts regarding the vote counting and the election results based on his attitude. They have also indicated in the letter that they believe that the Elections Commissioner and his Dept have not acted in neglect of their serious responsibilities and duties in this connection.
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May lightning strike these ruthless rulers: satyagraha staged successfully; Govt. Gangs and goons create mayhem but chased away: 6 injured
(Lanka-e-News, Feb.10, 2010, 7.10PM) When a satyagraha campaign was staged peacefully this morning (10) in the vicinity of the Hultsdorf Court complex by the opposition parties jointly against the illegal arrest of General Fonseka, a Govt. group of goons and gangsters came to disrupt it, an intense scuffle followed between the two factions. Though the goons and gangs were chased off finally, several persons were however injured. Two police officers, a Municipal member and three others were seriously injured. They had been admitted to the emergency ward of the General Hospital.
The goons and gangs who were well armed with stones, iron rods and poles were overpowered by the huge crowds and chased away. The entire crowd in and around also joined in the protests shouting and chanting ‘may lightning strike these ruthless rulers and killers’. They went round the Hultsdorf roundabout.
Rauff Hakeem, Mangala Samarweera, Daysiri Jayasekera, Mano Ganeshan, Shiral Lakthileke and many others led the protests.
Because the Govt. goons, gangs and police were from the beginning obstructing the mammoth crowds trying to assemble at the venue, a tense situation prevailed in Aluthkade in the morning just before the Satyagraha commenced. It was worthy of note that the policemen and security personnel who were deployed at the scene to maintain peace, were more concerned about protecting the Govt. goons and thugs who were creating trouble.
The Govt. thugs and goons used the Police riot squad bus as their shield to protect themselves during the attack, let alone the police protection they got.
Unfortunately for the Govt. the satyagraha could not be broken up by the Govt. marauders and goons. When this failed the police then tried to disperse the milling crowds by using tear gas. The protestors questioning the Police ‘whether the law is only enforced against them’ was witnessed by all bystanders.
There are reports that the satyagraha campaign around the whole Island has been extremely successful with people on the roads and vicinity of the campaign joining voluntarily.
General arrested at a time when President is away
(Lanka-e-News, Feb.09, 2010, 12.55PM) SL Presidential candidate Gen. Sarath Fonseka was taken into custody yesterday night (8), by the Army when the General was at a discussion with other political leaders.
At the time of his arrest, the General was at a discussion with Mangala Samaraweera, Mano Ganeshan and Rauff Hakeem.
I t is reported that Brigadier Manawadu has given the order for the arrest of the General. It was this same Brigadier who had given orders to lay siege to the Hotel where the General was staying on the election day when results were being announced.
According to the Govt., this arrest was necessitated because the General had allegedly made public military secrets and strategies while attending the Security Council meetings when he was the Army Commander.
When Lanka e news inquired from the new Army spokesman Prasad Samarasinghe whether a retired Army Commander can be arrested this way, he stated, that would be decided tomorrow by the Courts.
It is significant to note that General Fonseka acknowledged and acclaimed locally and internationally as the undisputed Hero and patriot in achieving the war victory for the country defeating the Tamil tiger terrorists, is now being subjected to the most humiliating treatment, which all began, after he contested against the President Rajapakse at the recent Presidential elections.
It is interesting to note that at the time of this arrest, the President is on a tour of Russia while Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Human rights Minister is also away to address the Human rights Council in Geneva tomorrow.
SF Media Unit urge you
(Lanka-e-News 09.Feb.2010 9.20PM)
Dear All,
As you know by now, a few hours ago, former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka was falsely arrested and dragged away forcibly by the same military that he served so faithfully for over 40 years.
The government has alleged that the General violated the military code of conduct during his tenure as the Army Commander.
The General was arrested by the military despite the fact that he is retired and is now a civilian. Therefore such an arrest, if at all, should have been conducted by the police. If the government alleges that military law still applies to General Fonseka, the law stipulates that he should be arrested by an officer holding a similar rank. This was not the case. Under the direction of the Secretary of Defense, the arrest was made by Major General Manawadu an officer two ranks his junior violating all military and civilian protocol.
The arresting officer insulted and dragged the General away when he questioned his arrest.
He has not been allowed a lawyer, due procedure of detention, or even a call to his family - as yet no one knows where he is detained or what is being done to him.
It has come to light that the administration has made elaborate plans to kill the General, their claim being that he was shot while resisting his captors.
Although we are unable to verify this fact, we believe that he is being held at the Navy camp in Rangala.
As a nation, we should be ashamed of our leaders and of ourselves.
For 30 years he fought on our behalf and risked his life for each and every one of us.
Be it under threat of prosecution or even death - he never faltered in his duty and never once disobeyed his honest conscience.
Now it is your duty to do what you can to save his life.
We at the media center of Sarath Fonseka, urge everyone to email us at sarathfonsekamedia@gmail.com with any information of his whereabouts.
Most importantly, we urge you to contact your politicians, religious leaders, media, civil society organizations and foreign embassies and make your voice heard to save the life of General Fonseka and democracy for our nation.
SF Media Unit
LeN Readers in worldwide write about abduction of SF
(Lanka-e-News 09.Feb.2010 10.00PM)
Hi All
We all know who is he , before the war & after the war .that time he is a hero to whole country including president, defense Secretary .One defense Secretary said now we have world finest Amy commander not like before, what does it mean.
More than 1000 times prasident said samething. How come they have two tung now.
He came a traitor because he contest for the election.Otherwise still he is a favour of government and hero of the country.
Who ever against stand against them they label them as traitors and throwing all muds.
People who protest in in toronto against including us what we said that time machan Fonseka kiyanne mara porak , ayeth kiwuwoth kiwuwa thamai.
who ever support government they are paitriotic others traitors
WHO ARE REAL TRAITORS, THOUSE WHO THROUGH MUD AT REAL HERO LIKE FONSEKA
please guys wakeup open your eyes, instead of shopping for government.
Why LTTE Bomb attack Fonseka They new he is a biggest thret.And he did not sleep with Emil Kanthan,
Where is democracy now , there were some people in toronto talk about democracy where are they, they don't have eyes I gues to see what is going on.
Tks
Arjuna Weerawansa
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- On arrest of General Sarath Fonseka
General Sarath Fonseka is not a friend of mine or a relative. I learnt about him mostly through media. During the entire operation against the LTTE, I very closely followed the events that were unfolding in Sri Lanka. When I first heard about him after the suicide attack, he was another military leader to me. However, when I looked at the photos of the damages in his body, I developed an attachment towards him mainly because of his eyes that showed no fear about death even after the deadly blast. It seemed that his iron like eyes could penetrate a man faster than a built. I was surprised to see such deep and lively eyes amidst the deadly wounds. I began to follow his movements during the war since I belong to a Sri Lankan, who was chased away by the LTTE from the North of the country. Now I am living in a western country.
As I am also one of the ardent followers of General Fonseka, I was shocked to learn his recent arrest. My personal opinion is that we all should have treated him like a hero, who saved the country and people of all ethnic groups from the menace of terrorism. In the process no one should undermine the political leadership of the President as well as administrative support extended by the Defence secretary. However, politicians should not have dragged him into the game of dirty politics at least for a considerable period of time.
I do not wish to comment on as to why the government took him into custody. They might have their own reasons for it. However, I can present certain propositions about the outcome of the arrest.
In deed, the government of Sri Lanka has to face server criticisms from the international community and people of Sri Lanka alike. Whatever it is he is a hero for the people of Sri Lanka. For the international community, he is technically able military leader. At the same time, with this arrest and the way of treating General Fonseka at the time of arrest, Sri Lanka has provided much needed ingredients to the international community to talk about Sri Lanka for a long period of time. Obviously, the international community might think that if a war hero is treated in this manner, how about an LTTE suspect or an ordinary citizen of the country?
Once again Sri Lanka needs to do a lot to repair the damage and regain trust of the international community at a time we are fighting a bitter battle to convince that no war crime took place in Sri Lanka and to prove ours is a democratic country. However, with this incident we have left a huge question mark before the entire world. What is important is to preserve our democratic traditions. Politicians and certain undemocratic elements might appear and disappear but still we need to preserve our democratic system for the future generations. I personally do not believe that any politician has genuine love towards our country. What they want is power and space to exercise this power to stay in power.
My humble wish is that President might intervene to settle this matter for the best interest of the country. Otherwise, every citizen of Sri Lanka would have to face the consequences as a result of certain unwise actions of certain individuals who have no understanding about Sri Lankan way and mindset of the international community. No Sri Lankan would like to see International community labeling our country another Myanmar or Libya.
Dr.Ali
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Gen. Fonseka will be produced before two Military Courts on the 16th and 17th
(Lanka-e-News 12.March.2010 8.25AM) The case against General Fonseka will commence hearing on the 16th and 17th of March in the Military Court by a three Judge panel. He is being charged on 7 counts.
The two Courts which will be hearing the case are situated within the Naval Headquarters.
The same panel of judges will be hearing the case in both Courts. The panel appointed by the President on the recommendations of the Army commander will comprise Major General H L Weeratunge (President), Major General H L R Wijetunge, and Major General D R A P Jayatileke . Rear Admiral W W J S Fernando will act for the Judges and as legal Counsel presenting the plaint.
The charges against him Fonseka in the first Court hearing the case on the 16th are : one, his taking part in politics while in the Army service under S 124 of the Army Act. ; and two charges under S 102 (1) of the Act. All three charges have been filed in relation to his taking part in politics while being in the Army.
In the second Court which is scheduled to commence on the 17th , there are four charges against Gen. Fonseka under S 109 (e) of the Army Act . These charges are based on allegations that when making procurements for the Army , the laws and regulations governing them had not been adhered to.
Army spokesman Major General Prasad Samarasinghe made these announcements at a special media briefing regarding National security summoned today (11) at the media Headquarters.
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