Fox wants Fonseka in civil court

17 February 2010 01:04 pm - 64 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Dianne Silva

British Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox, speaking to reporters this evening after meeting Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, said that General Sarath Fonseka should be tried in a civil court where transparency will be paramount.

“It is my strong view that the General should be tried in a civil court where the charges against him can be tested through all the vigor that the law can muster,” Fox said.

The UK MP stressed that the transparency of a civil court would build confidence within both the local and international community on the jurisprudence of the process. “Transparency will enable both the domestic population and the international community to have confidence in the judicial process,” he said.

Fox articulated the damage the Fonseka situation could have on the reputation of Sri Lanka. “The situation surrounding General Fonseka threatens to damage Sri Lanka’s reputation. At a crucial time of this country’s future it cannot afford to have the trail of such a senior military officer portrayed, as an act of revenge,” he said.

However the MP explained that no country had the right to pass judgment on the actions of Sri Lanka. “It is not for an outside country or body to say who should or should not be prosecuted. But how trails are conducted will determine how the country is perceived abroad. The law must not only be applied fairly but it must be seen to be applied fairly,” Fox said.

He went on to reiterate the need for Sri Lanka to maintain her standing on the international stage. “Reputation means a great deal and this is a country that deserves a high reputation. I hope that all the politicians in this country will work towards this goal,” the MP said.

The UK MP was in the country to initiate a new fund for the development of social infrastructure. “Infrastructure requires money- that is why I have brought plans with me to create a new fund to help provide basic social infrastructure that the country will need; if the end of the violence is to develop into a sustainable peace,” he said.

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Comments - 64

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 04:48 PM

Just another FOX from UK....

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:34 PM

We want Bush & Tony in International Courts !.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:44 PM

remember we are not a British colony any more

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:44 PM

Mr. Fox, the base for politics in SriLanka has been language (for nearly 60 years) and after defeating the LTTE, GOSL has no other excuse but to focus on economy. But they are not in a position to economically develop and the only way to be in power is bycreating another problem. Currently they are working on Fonseka and this will go on for few more years. You may have heard them saying "Anything that happens within this country is our internal affair and we do not want any outsiders to interfere in our internal affair". Anything you recommend will go unheard and I am sure you will see in the future that you wasted your time here.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:46 PM

He is a well experienced Defence Secretary, not a militery sergent.He knows the law.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:50 PM

WHAT EVER A ROGUE IN WHITE SKIN SAY...THESE IDIOTS SAY...YOU RIGHT SIR..

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:59 PM

For What?

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 04:04 PM

Indeed we have plenty of our own queens here in Colombo...some of them have even been ministers

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 04:18 PM

the patriots are such blended by the cooked up stories of the ruling parties that they would not see the difference between truth & lies.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 04:20 PM

Who the hell is this Fox... and who is he to keep telling us that the Army convict to be tried in a civil court!!! He could try Tony Bliar in a civil court for his wrong doings in Iraq. Please do not interfere in our countries affairs we shall handle them as per the laws of Sri Lanka. Please take you flight back home.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 04:23 PM

Actually he is not well experienced. He is well experienced to tell lies. Actually he has a lot of blood on his hands.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 04:25 PM

GR is a lance corporal before he went to the USA and then came back as Defence Secretary!!!!! Can you beat that?? When he opens his mouth to talk then the calibre of the man comes out.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 04:26 PM

Mr. Fox well said. Unfortunately you are talking to a bunch of animals from the jungles who are governed by the laws of the jungles.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 04:37 PM

the british defence secretary srilanka is back ward for 100 years in education. economic, law of land. srilanka is for inhuman. Mr Bogalamagama the propaganda minister. he is wasting our tax money.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 04:37 PM

Another guy gets off a plane wearing a suit and tells us what is best!
Can we go tell them what to do in their country?

At least Fox is a nice Fox,has better manners and is welcome in Lanka any time unlike Milli-boy!

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 04:42 PM

Who the hell are you to tell us how to practice the law in our country? What is the pain do you have when it comes to SF? Is it becuase he as many times told in your agenda? The many commentators in this page seems like wanting UK to come and rule us! Its sad. Under no situations these colonial masters need not tell us how to govern our country! So get lost! That is the decent thing you could do at the moment!

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:31 PM

This is the voice of the future British Government so let's be civil about any coments.Let's not push them to the tiger lobby awaiting on the sides.
In UK we wouldn't have come to this situation where the ex prez. candidate is locked up.In UK we have rules that everyone follows from the head of state to the person on the street.There fore no politican wouldn't dare to get to power in a foul way as they are more cultured.So what happen to our glorious culture? Which we never had.
Welcome to Sri Lanka Dr Liam Fox.
Dr Fox please make it easy for the students from the former Commonwealth to come to UK to study without silly restrictions that are now being created by this incompetent Labour.New rules only suit the crooked rich and few honest rich remaining.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 05:17 PM

MR fox srilanka was damaged by the indian govt. but he is begging after USA.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 05:21 PM

Sensible advice from the future British defense secretary to the government, but all that would be like pouring water on to a ducks back.
Beware ! The government may deport you.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 07:16 PM

Who is this 'nariya' to tell Sri Lanka what to do?

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 07:19 PM

NEVER trust a Brit!

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 07:56 PM

There is no democracy in Sri Lanka, and therefore, it does not really matter !

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 10:39 PM

You know what ... sometimes these strange outsiders speak sense and help us out!

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 10:49 PM

We are very much a 'colony,' in the modern sense. I suggest that you look into how Sri Lanka stays afloat, both economically and politically. Replace colonial 'rulers' with extant institutions and it's really not that different. We've never been, and never will be, truly independent ... that's not necessarily a bad thing ... just a reflection of reality. We just need to be smart about it. This 'sovereignty' business is a shallow dream and patriotism, is just 'lip-service' to rally the majority Sinhalese. 'Bad-mouthing' the west one minute ... reaching out for the 'begging bowl,' the next. Our govt bureaucracy thrives on this model!

Thursday, 18 February 2010 05:24 AM

This nariya is trying 2 bring money here, which is welcomed by our patriotic govt. with open hands. He may not give that money if there's no justice 4 SF. C'mon he's not askin 4 us 2 Bcome their colony, he's just askin us to stop harassing SF. Anyway it's a funny thing how we expect help from the conspirators themselves :D

Thursday, 18 February 2010 09:34 AM

Dr. Fox is probably wrong but to use foul language to attack him is beneath the Sri Lankan culture. Like everybody else he is commenting from the information available at that time. The actual charges as addressed at the time of Sarath Fonseka's arrest was published only today.

Thursday, 18 February 2010 09:34 AM

You are a real fox.. ha ha ha what do you think of you fox we will sort out here with traitors.

Thursday, 18 February 2010 09:34 AM

It does not appear that Fox seeks to impose his will on Sri Lanka. He is simply articulating his point of view on the more appropriate approach to prosecuting General Fonseka based on clear reasons as perceived by him. The significant thing is he clearly acknowledges it is the inalienable right of Sri Lanka to decide on the particular course of action to be adopted in that regard. Thus, there is no conceivable reason for us to lose our balance and be angry with him for expressing his point of view on this important matter. Let us be gracious and broad minded. And, remember too that we live in a 'global village' and there is an imperative need for us to co-exist with people holding divergent views.

Thursday, 18 February 2010 09:49 AM

Mr Fox did bush and blair had any thoughts of how US and UK would be viewed from abroad for sacrileging iraq and afghanistan without any UN mandate? .Sri lanka does not believe in as might as right but we believe right is might. hatred never ceases by hatred but by love and understanding thank you very much for your concerns mind you own backyard

Thursday, 18 February 2010 09:50 AM

Fox is right - the Army Act was introduced in 1949 - SL is still very archaic. Even the British which introduced this Act, are against it.

Thursday, 18 February 2010 09:59 AM

If we dont have Guntanamos in SL where is Prageeth Eknaligoda

Thursday, 18 February 2010 10:06 AM

I am sorry Mr Ari you have not got the warning message from this guy fox to our government .He means if the current GOSL acts on its own as its right it will face terrible consequences ,These chaps do not have the moral right to preach morality at all

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 02:04 PM

they just dicided and five yers jail to sf

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:08 PM

You are a Fox.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:13 PM

Mr. Fox, please note that we don't have any Guantanmo type prisons here. You westeners practice one thing and preach another thing to the so called 'third world'.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:15 PM

Transparency ? What's that ? We Sri Lankans have our own crude methods you know....so try and learn from us, is what our fools would say ?

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:19 PM

Playing flute to a deaf elephant

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:24 PM

you right sir

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:25 PM

Please takecare yourself Liam,
You will be soon branded as a 'Traitor' or probably you will be arrested since you were discussing real democratic values.
This is a complete different land where you come from.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:25 PM

Fox.... Unfortunately SLA is intending to trying SF under legislations enacted by the British.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:37 PM

!!! EXELLENT !!!
GO AHEAD.....

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:40 PM

Yes this what all peace loving and reasonable people expectation

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:41 PM

Fox, are you trying to fox us.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:41 PM

MR.FOX, PLEASE USE YOUR LEVERAGE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY & UN AND BRING PRESSURE ON GOSL TO TRY SF IN A " CIVIL COURT "

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:49 PM

Who do you think you are? Viceroy to Sri Lanka? We are not your colony anymore. Let the legal system take it's course according to the Sri Lankan law.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:55 PM

These so called dishonourable members of the British parliment milked so much of taxpaeers money over years as expenses.
Killed more tahn 100,000 in Iraq & Afgan, occupying these countries illeagally to steal oil & try their weapons, No civil, nor any other court to detainees at Gantanamo bay.

Trying to preach others, that is all they are good at.
Kick him out of the country

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:58 PM

# God bless you

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 02:02 PM

Mr. Fox. you have to go head with as Global law and bring them to the book. Don't take long time Hurry up, the culprit chnge things in secound like how they change the balat paper

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:06 PM

Naruyas will not like that!

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 02:07 PM

yes Mr fox teach the adharmishtayas some sence of loyality

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 02:13 PM

"transparency" is the word Sri Lankan administration should up hold. That's is also the very word every government in the 1st world and every global company are up holding. For Liam Fox is is simple. He rotates his words around the word 'transparency'. With out that our country will be going down the drain day by day.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 02:15 PM

Another buffoon shooting his mouth off. Accounts Clerk but big man now/.................................

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 02:15 PM

Fox it's not your business to tell us go tell it to Foxe's in U.K.
we will take care of our matters

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 02:37 PM

who are you to tell how to manage our country? We are no longer your colony. Those who comment thinking that this is good, re-think idiots. Once they start put their finger in our countries matters, it will not end regardless of who is controling the government. Do not think narrowly and give into Fox. WE ARE A PROUD SOVEREIGN NATION, regardless of how our politics are done internally in Sri Lanka.

WE SRI LANKANS DO NOT BOW DOWN TO YOUR QUEEN ANYMORE!!!!!

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 02:38 PM

NO court for SF He is the our war hero. MR told he will never allow any war hero to be produced in any court! Where is that MR

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 02:39 PM

This statement shows how te British were supporting SF for their own agenda. They are still intefereing in the sovereignity of Sri Lanka. The British still have the notion that SL is their slave country!!! Why don't they tell India these things?? India is a strong country now. I hope under Mahinda's Presidency, SL too will become a strong country and tell these foreigners where to poke their noses!!!

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 02:40 PM

Please do not diss Dr. Fox. He is one of the rare voices in the British Parliament that fought Sri Lanka's corner during those heady times of Milliband, Hillary Clinton, Obama etc.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 02:48 PM

FOX IS RIGHT. HE IS NOMORE MILITARY MAN.
ACTUALLY, THIS IS LIKE TIT FOR TAT GAME BETWEEN THE TWO CORRUPTED PARTIES . WHOEVER IN THE POWER TAKES THE LAW IN THEIR HANDS AS USUAL IN SRI LANKA..
THE TIME WILL COME FOR ALL.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 02:56 PM

hik How many people did UK and USA tried in war tribunals during the wars in Iraq and Afganistan for treason?

Do you think Sri Lankans are old fools who do not know the Western behaviour?

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:09 PM

Ok, I want your queen in our civil court for stealing our wealth by her family for centuries! You British are seafaring thieves!!!

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:11 PM

IN SRI LANKAN DEMOCRATICAL SYSTEM, THE RULLING PARTY CAN TAKES THE LAW IN THEIR HANDS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.
CIVIL COURT MAY BE NOT GOOD FOR THEM.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:11 PM

You can't change defence secretary's decission

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:12 PM

Is there any responsible ruler to listen to and act accordingly,

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:12 PM

He went on to reiterate the need for Sri Lanka to maintain her standing on the international stage. “Reputation means a great deal and this is a country that deserves a high reputation. I hope that all the politicians in this country will work towards this goal,” the MP said.

Mr. Fox you have misunderstood about our politicians. ALL POLITICIANS IN SRI LANKA WILL WORK TOWARDS THEIR PERSONAL AND FAMILY GOALS. THEY DO NOT WORRY ABOUT sri lanka. SRI LANKA IS THEIR PROPERTY AND BUSINESS ENTITY ONLY.

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Fox wants Fonseka in civil court

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