Trial of Sri Lanka’s ex-army chief adjourned
COLOMBO (AFP) – The court martial of Sri Lanka’s former army chief was adjourned on Wednesday after judges said they could not hear both of the separate sets of charges against him, officials said. Sarath Fonseka, who led the military to victory over the Tamil Tiger rebels last year, fell out with President Mahinda Rajapakse and unsuccessfully tried to unseat him in elections in January.
He faces one set of charges that he interfered in politics before he retired from the army, and another set alleging he was involved in corrupt arms deals.
On Wednesday, a statement from the army said the judges had decided they could only hear the political interference case, which will start on April 6.
The trial on defence procurement irregularities was adjourned indefinitely.
Fonseka’s spokesman, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, said the decision was a tactic to prolong Fonseka’s detention and prevent him from campaigning in parliamentary elections on April 8.
“The army judges did not wake up this morning and discover that they have been appointed to both courts,” Dissanayake said. “They knew it from the day they were appointed.”
Fonseka denies all the charges and says they are part of a vendetta against him.
Rajapakse has been accused by political opponents and international human rights groups of suppressing dissent since his resounding re-election.
Fonseka entered politics after quitting the military in November, six months after the separatist Tamil rebels were finally crushed.
When he resigned from the military, Fonseka said that Rajapakse suspected him of planning a coup.
Fonseka was arrested 12 days after he lost the presidential election to Rajapakse.
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Fonsekawa amaruwe demme JVP karayo, Mee para Mans wa amaruwe danne , Ara Diyawannawa wewa pathe heluwen CENSORED geeniyek ekka car ekak asse indala policeiyata marttu wecha ‘I know the law ” goiya
Mr Sirimal and on lanka .com
Ple don’ t insult to people who doing right things , i know you and this website suport to MR and his corrupt govt, ex cj did so , ple submit evidence
Even If I am a tamil neutralman from Jaffna, the way how Fonseka is treated by the government is shame for the whole Srilankans, As Fonseka met 3 suicide attacks and fought for the country.
Mr sirimal Respect to the Human Dignity.
Hiran ! So you are telling us what told by Sirimal was done by ex cj.Do you have any evidance to prove it??
SF, JVP, C-4 gang up to ruin Lanka’s image, says govt- ISLAND. People like Hiran and Weerakody need to read this article .( If can both read english only)
Kathawa athha! Fonsekawa keewe, JVP Kalaweddoi, Neecha UNP Karayoi, Pahara Suddo tikai set wela.
people allover watch us on what language we choose to express our opinion……….Dear Mr Editor Onlanka dont publish uncivilised languages and create a bad opinion of the Govt Of Sri Lanka.
Yes ON LANKA , Like “Suren Goiya” saya , let “I Know the law do any dirty thing”, but please do not publish it. Hik Hik
Yes ON LANKA , Just like “Suren Goiya” says , Please let “I Know the law do any dirty thing”, but please do not publish it. Hik Hik
Anna ” I KNOW THE LAW ” Goiys Lanka E news eke gamakata “GON Taks” denawa
Mama Genaral ta kamathi mokawath nemei Election eken passe Kana palenda Mangalayata dunna kanee parata !