Basil's comment was politically motivated: SF

4 October 2017 07:42 pm - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Field Marshal Minister Sarath Fonseka said today that former minister Basil Rajapaksa’s remark made in Jaffna over ‘individuals’ within the army committing crimes during and after the war was politically motivated to win the hearts of the Tamils in the North.

During the weekend in Jaffna, Mr. Rajapaksa was quoted as saying that he thinks forces didn’t commit war crimes but individuals might have committed crimes.

Addressing a news briefing held at the Regional Development Ministry, Minister Fonseka said Mr. Basil Rajapaksa had betrayed the entire army to get closer to the Tamil population.

“The minority rejected the Rajapaksas with disgust and this was clearly evident from the election results. To change this, to show affection, he used the army. We too have won the hearts of the Tamils but we used just and fair methods,” he said.

He said there was a difference between the statement he made accusing Army Commander (Rtd) General Jagath Jayasuriya of crimes and the statement made by Mr. Basil Rajapaksa.

The minister said he didn’t accuse the entire army or made accusations without naming anyone.

“I clearly pointed finger at one person and not at random individuals. I received a phone call from a corporal who was with Jagath Jayasuriya. He informed me that Jayasuriya was involved in crimes even two weeks after the end of the war,” he said.

He questioned why the individuals, politicians and monks who readily criticized him for making the previous statement over Jagath Jayasuriya and crimes, are today silent on the statement made by Mr. Rajapaksa.

“Those who pointed finger at me and spoke for the protection of war heroes are silent today. They don’t shed any tears now,” he said.

Responding to concerns that statements made with regard to military personnel and crimes would bring disgrace to Sri Lanka, Minister Fonseka said if anyone had committed crimes they should be punished.

“If anyone knows about perpetrators, they should be brought before justice. The disgrace will only befall on the country if action was not taken against the wrongdoers. If anyone withholds evidence of someone committing crimes, they should be ashamed of themselves,” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

Video by RM

Pics by Pradeep Pathirana

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Comments - 13

ceylin Wednesday, 04 October 2017 08:01 PM

field marrial is correct. via DM Android App

Gamini Wednesday, 04 October 2017 08:16 PM

You too had motives when you talked about white flags story. That's why TNA supported you

dilan Wednesday, 04 October 2017 10:19 PM

don't talk nonsence ..He never said it happened he said only that he heard that from journalist ...the government must to investigate about that

Kingsley Wednesday, 04 October 2017 08:18 PM

Oh no not again

Kithsiri Wednesday, 04 October 2017 08:19 PM

Rajapakses did some good development work in Jaffna. Why are you jealous

KLal Thursday, 05 October 2017 07:06 PM

By evicting people and building military run hotels that provide no benefit to Locals?

Sambo Wednesday, 04 October 2017 08:24 PM

The problem is we can't understand the motives of our politicians. They keep changing by the minute. is it the government stand or the individual. these guys are very unreliable.

Naga Ramalingam Wednesday, 04 October 2017 09:02 PM

You are talking non sense. Basil is a politician, so will have motives. It is better for you to shut up rather than talking incoherently.

tomw Wednesday, 04 October 2017 09:13 PM

Now why are you all silent Mr. Elle Gunawansa and Et al?

Dee Wednesday, 04 October 2017 09:59 PM

What more? Don't think he's going to contest in a talent show!

vis8 Wednesday, 04 October 2017 10:33 PM

Oh, yes.... as if the 'comments' fonseka has made are not politically motivated (towards destroying the Rajapaksas).. What a laugh. Does anybody believe in this one any more?

Senewi Thursday, 05 October 2017 12:43 PM

Even your comments are politically motivated.

S.P.RAMKUMAR Thursday, 05 October 2017 09:11 PM

No Field Marshal Sir, Former minister Basil Rajapaksa was with his powerful Brothers, He is always very sure about his statements.

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Basil's comment was politically motivated: SF

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