Corrupt Officers, Vengeful For Action Taken Against Them, Appointed To Court Martial – Gen. Fonseka

Former commander of the SL Army Gen. Sarath Fonseka says he had to first wipe out corruption, especially among the higher ranks, to fight the war that had lasted for 30 years when he was appointed the Commander of the Army in 2005. He had to take stern action regarding these officers to uphold high traditions in the Army and it was the reason why these officers are now vindictive towards him.

This was stated when Gen. Sarath Fonseka filed a writ application in the Court of Appeal yesterday (24th) claiming that he was not subjected to Military Law at the time of his arrest on 8th February, 2010 and he could not be Court Martialled.

Gen. Fonseka, in his petition, requests the Court of Appeal to prohibit respondents, Major General M. P. Peiris, Major General S. W. L. Daulagala and Major General Hathurusinghe from functioning as members of the second Court Martial convened on April 6, 2010. He also requested the Court to prohibit, Deputy Solicitor General W. J. S. Fernando from functioning as Judge Advocate.

The former Army Commander in his petition states almost all the members of both the alleged Courts Martial had been dealt with by the petitioner, in the interests of Sri Lanka.

Gen. Fonseka also states that the first respondent Lt. General Jagath Jayasuriya was not competent to deal with officers and soldiers, in the front line, in the battle against the LTTE. He also states, in his petition, that Lt. General Jagath Jayasuriya had developed personal animosity towards him and when the former got appointed as the Commander of the Army, he had transferred officers loyal to the petitioner to remote areas. The arrest and detention of petitioner was motivated by personal animosity and is in breach of the Army Act claims Gen. Fonseka.

Meanwhile, the second Court Martial probing into charges related to Gen. Sarath Fonseka’s alleged violation of military procurement procedures had its sessions yesterday.

The Defense Counsels well as prosecutors made their submissions to the tribunal and the proceedings went on till evening. Next hearing will take place on the 3rd June.