Fonseka appeals for calm

11 February 2010 08:27 am - 69 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former army chief and defeated presidential hopeful Sarath Fonseka has appealed for calm after violent clashes triggered by his arrest, his wife said.
Anoma Fonseka was granted access to her husband, who challenged President Mahinda Rajapakse, at the naval detention centre where he is currently awaiting court martial, having been arrested on Monday.

"He wanted me to convey to the people and especially the troops to remain calm and not to be provoked by his illegal arrest," she told reporters in Colombo. "They are trying to break his spirit, but they won't succeed."

She said the meeting with her husband had taken place under the supervision of armed guards.

A regional human rights group sharply criticised Sri Lanka Thursday over plans to court martial the island's former army chief on charges of conspiring against the government.

"The case is being pursued in military courts, thus avoiding the country?s ordinary courts and depriving him of due process," the Hong Kong-based
Asian Human Rights Commission said in a statement.

"This is also depriving the public of information on his case," it said.

The government has yet to spell out the charges against Fonseka, but defence ministry spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters the general had colluded with opposition politicians last year while still heading the army.

The case triggered clashes between thousands of Fonseka supporters and ruling party activists outside the capital's Superior Courts complex on Wednesday, which were broken up by riot police using tear gas and water cannon.

The AHRC said Sri Lanka was engaging in an "alarming attempts to repress the avenues of the political participation of the opposition and the entire population in general."

Fonseka has challenged his arrest and detention by the military in the supreme court. The case is to be taken up on Friday.

Opposition parties who backed Fonseka have demanded his immediate release and said they feared for his safety in military custody.

The increase in tensions came as President Rajapakse dissolved parliament on Tuesday and called snap legislative elections for April 8.

Rajapakse was returned to power for a second term last month after easily defeating Fonseka in a bitter presidential election battle. (AFP)

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Comments - 69

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:58 AM

You did some mistakes but you are stll our number one hero. We want you to be released and court martial the ideots who man handdle you....god bless you general

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:01 PM

sir most people will join with you...no worries we just need your voice...

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:00 PM

You are worth being the true President of Sri Lankans. Whole Sri Lanka demanded for a leader of your calibre to lead Sri Lanka.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 11:56 AM

We are always with you Sir..

Thursday, 11 February 2010 11:46 AM

Seems like SF still do not understand Sri lanka. may be he is lacking common sense. If we calm Rakjapaksha familiy ruin this nation.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 11:34 AM

You are the national hero. Be assured that the rogues will be exposed.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 11:32 AM

You are father to all peace loving Sri Lankan. I wrote this same comment in the month of may last year immediatly after the war was over. we are sad and angry with those who are behaind this conspiracy. We have now only God.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 11:15 AM

YOU HAVE PUT THE COUNTRY IN THIS SITUATION.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 11:11 AM

Ranil already practising that !!!!!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:04 PM

This guy needs a reality check. What a silly notion to think that the Security Forces are still under his purview.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:50 AM

No storms in tea cups.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:49 AM

we will listen to our great leader, god bless you sir!!!!! we are with you!!!!!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:46 AM

How do all of you commenting here call this foolish man 'sir'. He is so politically inapt that he has allowed himself to be led to the slaughter by both the UNP and the JVP. This foolish man dug his own grave when he insinuated war crimes charges against his own superiors, and announced that he would put people like Shav Silva, Prassanna and Kamal in jail. Now he deserves what he is getting. SF should be jailed for at least 10 years for being a traitor and taking US and Norway funds for his political campaign. Also I like to warn all Sri Lankans not to vote for UNP because now UNP is in Norway’s pocket.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:46 AM

Is this the statemnet for calm or provoking statement for the troops?

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:37 AM

So the troops are impatient. From when?

You are closer to admit the allegation of a "coup d'état".

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:29 AM

we shall be with you for ever wether you are in prison or out of politics..
this is injustice, we are peace loving ordinary people,

i voted MR....i regeret it very much!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:22 AM

D not worry. Our version of Nelson Mandela is waiting.
Ha Ha Ha

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:17 AM

True leader, Sir May triple gem bless you...

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:27 PM

A true 4 star Gen...!!!
Why did the govt award Gen SF 4 star states if Defence minister says he was just another officer...???

Thursday, 11 February 2010 06:35 PM

A true 'officer and a gentlemen'!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 04:08 PM

ur correct,he is day dreaming.must hang the fellow as soon as possible.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:43 PM

No many more willing to go to streets.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:42 PM

Why not I saw few months earlier even the check points are maned by navel and air force personal with army. They will make everything a soup.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:24 PM

Can't expect each and everyone in this land to be grateful Sir. Don't worry. You are one of the greatest Heroes of Sri Lanka. The majority of the people are behind you. Don't forget the saying "It is the tough that gets going when the going gets tough". Keep your spirits up Sir. You will be victorious at the end, that is sure.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:02 PM

well said weerawansa!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:45 PM

Gdeneral you are the Nelson Mandela of Sri Lanka. We salute you.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:44 PM

weerawansa you are living in dreamland. You must watch and see how things are going to turn that you will be astounded. Keep dreaming and wake up.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:16 AM

General may the triple gem bless you and protect you.I hope there will justice and supreme court will release you on Friday.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:21 PM

Dont worry Sir They are Deadly Calm...
You are the only person who panics !.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:05 PM

You are watching too much of state media programs. There is a world outside two channels, open your eyes.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:44 PM

Fonseka dont dream and be stupid to think that general Public
will make violent dramas just because u got arrested

nobody give damn about it since u were just beginning to play the role u undertook from the west being an eywitness and betray all Sri lankan valient soldiers

infact many are happy that coup died on time

those who made stupid protests just did it for earning thier lively hood,

many of the general public is unmoved and absolutely dont care

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:43 PM

He is a true patriot unlike the cardboard holders!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:40 PM

You are a true inspiration to our motherland General!!
Take a bow!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:34 PM

We are with you SF. We will listen to you.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:34 PM

This shows his true colours.What a good person and cares for the nation. Not his pockets.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:07 AM

How many have died from this so called ''violent clashes''.?
Also why SF is asking specially troops to be calm.? Does he thinks troops are on his side.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:26 AM

Take care.Wish you long life .You can fight for Democrasy in
Srilanka,

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:26 AM

yes , everything should be best for the national interest

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:22 AM

common army...take over the island

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:19 AM

as if the people have no other business!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:19 AM

SF I respect you & MR for defeating the terror .
But you stepped too far when you betrayed your own country & people, grassed them to the hypocritical West/US/Norway/Uk etc.
You should not associte with JVP (Che guvera) who killed 100,000 between 1970 to 1990.
Join with MR & build our country
God bless you

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:18 AM

TRUE......We can only pray & we will pray not only for one man but for the whole country

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:12 AM

Troops, already divided. Thanks to you, Sir.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:12 AM

LOL ! . troops? he still think he is commanding troops... madmax

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:30 AM

A true Sri Lankan Patriot, We'll keep praying for you

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:03 AM

Sensible Talk.. This ungrateful nation will realise their mistake very soon.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 08:57 AM

Everything is for the best.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 08:55 AM

A true Statesman and a patriots request

Thursday, 11 February 2010 08:50 AM

if you say so we will listen to you sir..

Thursday, 11 February 2010 08:48 AM

Statement of a true leader !

We will pray for your release sir.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 08:46 AM

unbeleivable change

Thursday, 11 February 2010 08:44 AM

Sri Lanka has already become a "pariah" nation in the face of the civilised world. What else can one expect from pea-brained rulers whose only skill is in playing to the gallery.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:44 AM

You are again and again showing signs of genuine leadership qualities. Hats off to you... General.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:13 AM

allow him to address the nation over State Media for calm

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:11 AM

Nothing wrong here SF. People living as usual out here. You better remain calm in the cell

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:00 AM

God save Fonseka !

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:56 AM

Sarath, you have been a gentleman, and we all are sure you will be a gentleman all your life. Yor are the true statesman we want in Sri lanka today.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:55 AM

true leader

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:50 AM

HE SHOULD CALM HIMSELF FIRST, OTHERWISE HE WILL GET CONSUMED WITH HIS OWN ANGER.

HE WAS ACTING WITH ANGER FROM DAY ONE.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:50 AM

Finally the cat is out of the bag...

"especially the troops to remain calm "

he has already divided the army....

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:49 AM

But Sir we will never given up the battle till we die (ALL WILL DIE ONCE A DAY

Thursday, 11 February 2010 08:39 AM

The troops may be already divided,
This must be the reason why a former Army Commander has to be detained at the Naval Headquarters.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:43 AM

Suba Anagathayak! bye bye SF!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:39 AM

But don't listen to others who incite you to lawlessness.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:37 AM

Too late! He should have thought about this before he declared himself the president of the Hyde park!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:37 AM

yes, we will.... but for how long are we going to be silent for ruthless actions like this???????

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:37 AM

A true statesman and a patriot will not go against his own army! Bring disrepute to his own country! Will show gratitude to his boss who allowed him to perform the way he wanted to while in the army!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:36 AM

The inexperienced politician is asking for people to be calm whilst the experienced politicians are unleashing their goons on the public. We for sure need a chnage.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:35 AM

So in other words he could not divide the navy?

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Fonseka appeals for calm

Comments - 69

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