Dr.P.A.Samaraweera, Australia

Karu Jayasuriya, an opposition spokesman has said that, “… the opposition will be speaking to all religious leaders and will have a series of religious events to seek the release of Sarath Fonseka from custody and ensure more democratic freedom…”

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ It is alleged that Fonseka had colluded with the opposition politicians last year while still heading the army. Thus he had been politicising the army.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ With regard to the accusation against Sri Lanka for war crimes, Fonseka on 8th Monday had said, “…I am going to reveal what I know, what I was told and what I heard. Anyone, who has committed war crimes should be definitely brought into courts…” And he had added that he is prepared to give evidence in an International Court. Ironically, this obviously means evidence against Sri Lanka especially against the army in which he was the commander.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Revealing military secrets and conspiring against the govt are treason. But for the opposition this is democratic freedom. So the bankrupt political parties are to muster support of religious leaders to defend him.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ In contrast, for Fonseka’s alleged crimes he should also be made ineligible for ‘gifts’ made by the govt., especially the grant of 25 perches of prime land close to the city worth Rs. 900 million, given to him after the war. Because, there are more deserving handicapped and incapacitated soldiers without proper housing in the rural areas of Sri Lanka who need such handouts. They are the real patriots and not cosmetic patriots who turned out to be traitors.