Video: ‘I will never join this govt.’ - SF

14 June 2012 07:17 am - 60 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former Army commander Sarath Fonseka speaking at his first press conference since his release, said he would never join the current regime.

“This is a question a lot of you wanted to ask me. I would never join this government. I will always fight for the principles that I stood for. I will topple the current corrupt regime and save this country.”

He also stated that, people are trying to spread rumours about him joining the government in order to prevent him from regaining political stability within the people of this country.

Speaking further Sarath Fonseka spelt out his political manifesto which included the abolition of the executive presidency, coming to an agreeable political solution for the people of this country to the ethnic problem and an end to the rampant, corrupt political culture within the country. “The first and foremost point is to get rid of the rampant corruption and nepotism prevalent in the country and the abolishing of the executive presidency that has paved the way for dictatorial behavior by the incumbents,” he said.

Explaining his manifesto the former Army Commander insisted on the need of a complete overhaul in the political culture prevalent in the country. “The people of this country are not equal and are not served justifiably; the main reason for this is political interference. Almost all facets of this country have been completely dominated by politicians and their interference and there must be an end to this. People should have equality and justice and that is the political culture I wish to bring to this country,” he said.

Mr. Fonseka also said the citizens of this country had a false notion of true democracy. “The simple fact that there is an election and people have the right to go to the polling station does not denote true democracy as claimed by many. True democracy is the right to freedom of speech, freedom to think associate and oppose which the discerning of the citizens of this country do not possess in reality” he said.

He also said the 18th amendment had paved the way for interference within the judiciary by Politicians.

“The citizens deserve an independent and robust judiciary but the 18th amendment has paved the way for unwarranted political intervention, I’m a victim of this process and know first-hand what people have to suffer within the prevailing system,” he said. Speaking further Fonseka said that he did not wish to see Sri Lanka facing the same fate as many other countries with corrupt regimes. “Take Germany as an example, after the second world war the entire country was in tatters, the main rallying point of the then ruler was patriotism, he then told his citizens that patriotism was even greater than religion and ignored the teachings of religious leaders, he forgot the culture of the country and re wrote history according to his own whims and fancies. Hitler also thrived on racism and ensured that the Nazis dominated all other religions and races. I don’t want this to happen in our country,” he said.

Fonseka also reiterated that the solution to the national question could not be found in a piece of paper. “Trust needs to be built first among all nationalities within the country, it is after this trust is built that we could talk of a political solution,” he said. The former Army Commander said this was a slow and gradual process. “We can’t expect this trust to take place overnight and it can be a long slow process, we have to be patient like we have been in the past until this trust is built and a solution is put forth,” he said. (Hafeel Fariz and Yohan Perera )

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Comments - 60

My Nation Friday, 15 June 2012 04:12 AM

Yes Sir thats only on thing we all expect from you there are a lot more for you to do to save again this country. Therefore please be mindful when ever you give speechs sir coz we do not want to see you again behind the bars....,,,,,,,

sam Thursday, 14 June 2012 11:26 AM

corrupted power hungry guys promote SF

Supun Perera Thursday, 14 June 2012 11:46 AM

You are the only one who could turn the corrupt, lawless Banana Republic back to peaceful democratic Sri Lanka and allow all Citizens to live in dignity.

Kalu Thursday, 14 June 2012 11:46 AM

Regime change, you must be dreaming my friend. Even with his height of popularity with combined opposition, he lost by 1.8 Million votes and called it computer jitmart!! That was the verdict of th majorityLankans.

Independent Observer Thursday, 14 June 2012 11:52 AM

I will topple the current corrupt regime and save this country.”
says the General .
What is important is to DO IT but not to say it in such definite terms right now !!!

Roshini Thursday, 14 June 2012 11:50 AM

Mr Fonseka,if you want to succeed in politics,you'd better stick a plaster in your mouth.

Shaik Ahamath Thursday, 14 June 2012 11:52 AM

The number of sycophants among us is astounding. This man woving never to join the current regime is like saying he would never become an astronaut. Nobody has invited him to join either. Have you all forgotten he embezzled from the Army Procurement Fund into the company of his son-in-law besides the other 12 charges?

Bagalawathee Thursday, 14 June 2012 12:33 PM

Mr Fonseka. Now you got your freedom. Please put your feet up and enjoy your retirement. It will take a very long time for another party to defeat MR and Co. Take care . Budhusaranai.

neil john Thursday, 14 June 2012 12:44 PM

So many from UNP said so before the jump. Hope he is different.

Tissa Thursday, 14 June 2012 12:53 PM

A political party will survive if there is a political vacuum. There is no such thing for SF's party or his policies which are not clear yet.SF does not posses the charisma of MR. MR;s political training is in his blood. There SF is doomed to fail.But in UNP there is a leadership vacuum.SF should try this place. This is a serious comment please.

ruwan Thursday, 14 June 2012 01:07 PM

We are with you sir, start slowly,steadily and carefully....

Lion Friday, 15 June 2012 12:33 AM

Sir great statement Great Rabidranath Thagor clearly said what petriotisem does to a man this is an anasthatic where man loose his senses as you correctly said rulers are using this to stay in power.Sir take stapes carefully every thing in the book your opononent will use to supress you even to take you back to the prison how ever much their action are undemocratic.Take stapes carefully have a clear thinking of your associates.Hope you will have the wisdom and forsieght to lead this nation get out of this great peril.

Prsa Friday, 15 June 2012 03:37 AM

Thank God you mind your words this time !!!
Keep it up !

senthil Friday, 15 June 2012 03:48 AM

as if anyone from the present regime ever invited him to join. at the moment SF needs the support of the current regime to get out of the mess he is in and not the other way around.

MR knows very well how to win elections, so SF is no big threat

Jehan Friday, 15 June 2012 04:06 AM

The objective of many people is to make the "Dream a realty" for that SF may be the only visible option.

lal Thursday, 14 June 2012 11:28 AM

Great answer.Not only the executive presidency also the Provincial council system.It's a really a white elephant and eating people money.From the politicians given so much promises and it only manifesto.For this job you should give a time limit,not years and years.Select committee and other committee does not work.If you become President You should use the Vito power and this two systems should demolish.

thegalleofit Friday, 15 June 2012 04:13 AM

Cannot be as high as the number of sycophants supporting this very corrupt and uncaring (of the people) Government. Oh wait maybe they are not sycophants just uninformed by gagging the media

Don Quixote Friday, 15 June 2012 04:32 AM

what the hell does a comment like this mean ? Why do you guys publish this ?

Geeth Friday, 15 June 2012 04:51 AM

Be the leader,the rest will fallow you.
Remember to do what you say.

Imran Hussein Friday, 15 June 2012 04:53 AM

with Tiran, Anoma and Arjuna? In that case why need a change, MR is fine.

shantha madawelas Friday, 15 June 2012 04:54 AM

your the one and only savior to Srilanka, our best wishes.....

M.V.R.Perera Friday, 15 June 2012 05:09 AM

Do not join the UNP for their is no patriotism in the party for in the so call ethnic question they are for provincial councils with wide powers which is a white elephant and by the increased of about 300 more politicians as increased corruption as such to reduced corruption it should be abolished

senthil Friday, 15 June 2012 05:32 AM

if people vote sensibly without letting in to emotions the voters themselves can save Sri Lanka.
as long as the voters have a herd mentality of blindly handing over their future ( and that of their next generation) to politicians and not holding them accountable, no one can save the country

ind Friday, 15 June 2012 06:05 AM

Anybody can have a target. But the problem is everybody can't achieve it.

Observer Friday, 15 June 2012 06:05 AM

There are forces within his group too pulling in a different direction. Not different to the present political scenario. Good intentions SF, but wonder how you could implement these if you do not have a powerful backing from a party such as UNP,

ind Friday, 15 June 2012 06:13 AM

You can achieve it in just 50 years !!

Tilak Friday, 15 June 2012 06:08 AM

Yes, and do not join UNP and JVP too. They are the another political culprit in Srilanka.T

ind Friday, 15 June 2012 06:16 AM

SF is talking about corruption. But once he went to the jail due to his corruptions. Pot calling kettle is black !!!

Jacob D Friday, 15 June 2012 06:24 AM

Dear Mr. Fonseka,

I’m not a srilankan but have been praying for your quick release, now is the time to plan and succeed for the people of the land you are the saver, pray to Jesus for guidance before any decision made, may the holy spirit guide you to success.

God Bless you

Katta Kuvera Friday, 15 June 2012 10:51 AM

He means he has nowhere to go now. Even the UNP and JVP wont take him. . He, he heh.

Senaka Thursday, 14 June 2012 08:32 AM

So opposition votes are divided further more and MR will be the winner. That's the bitter truth. Best wishes!

Tharaka Chanaka Thursday, 14 June 2012 07:27 AM

Dont join UNP and JVP too....
start your own...

Darren Thursday, 14 June 2012 07:30 AM

He he he eh ehe ehe eh

Jehan Thursday, 14 June 2012 07:31 AM

Great.. If you Stick to your word...( We still believe that you are not belonging to the breed of politicos we have in SL) SF has to be armed with more political approach to win hearts of the rural mass (who are vulnerable to emotions)
In my opinion he should not be a puppet of any political party because no political party is suiting his style. he should lead the way let others to support him , we are in need of good governance not only a regime change.

Dilan Thursday, 14 June 2012 07:45 AM

Obviously know !

shantha madawelas Thursday, 14 June 2012 07:39 AM

well talk sir...

willows Thursday, 14 June 2012 07:52 AM

The good news Sir, start fresh, there are lot of people waiting for the Messiah that so far did not come???

J Dan Thursday, 14 June 2012 07:53 AM

well said sir,
This country needs a leader like you who will clean this country and change this corrupt political culture.
We are with you ! Go ahead many (Good) will follow you.

Samantha100 Thursday, 14 June 2012 07:54 AM

Join UNP.

Minister Thursday, 14 June 2012 08:04 AM

Its good to drive away doubts lot of people had in their mindsall this time!

Sri Lankn Thursday, 14 June 2012 08:05 AM

Cheers.

fact u fact u Thursday, 14 June 2012 08:06 AM

I will vote only to those who promise to change the current Constitution.

Monkey Joe Thursday, 14 June 2012 08:11 AM

Good decision said with a clear head. Hope he keeps to his word.

dhammika arunasiri Thursday, 14 June 2012 08:16 AM

Yes........ you are the only option we have , Imporant :Pls mindful of what you say ,,,!!

M.S. Fernando Thursday, 14 June 2012 08:31 AM

Serve 'motherland' without joining...........

Kondeybendapucheena Thursday, 14 June 2012 07:16 AM

WoW,

The Judge Thursday, 14 June 2012 08:51 AM

Never again. Your 2 1/2 years experience in the cell is enough. Start of on your own.

The God Father Thursday, 14 June 2012 09:52 AM

MR is a tree and SF is a seed and am not the supporter of the former.

Responsible Wicky Thursday, 14 June 2012 09:57 AM

You are a HERO, So please Sir do it alone God Bless and be with you

CW Thursday, 14 June 2012 10:10 AM

Join the Paraputugami JVP.

Siva Kanagasingham Thursday, 14 June 2012 10:15 AM

Great beginning; hope you can keep the momentum going.

Ralph Anthony Kernr Thursday, 14 June 2012 10:22 AM

You are great, keep it up, it is just round the corner. Avoid making harsh speeches, always act in a sober manner. .

gafa Thursday, 14 June 2012 10:27 AM

Sir, you no need to join the useless parties, we will join your party to fight corruption

ALI Thursday, 14 June 2012 10:24 AM

you are the correct person to eliminate corrupt political culture like terrorism which you did .

sooriya Thursday, 14 June 2012 10:30 AM

AS LONG AS RANIL LEADS DO NOT SUPPORT

kodiA Thursday, 14 June 2012 10:29 AM

Well said....Only thing is to be well disciplined when u address a gathering....it's shows yr arrogance and ruthlessness that is good for army.....but not for the rural mass. So hv to learn quickly political science.... Good Luck

Siri Thursday, 14 June 2012 10:47 AM

joint TNA, because they help you for your Presidential election.

johan Thursday, 14 June 2012 10:56 AM

Yes, we want gentleman politics like the European countries
Not the thuggery politics.or learn from Singapore

Bushel Thursday, 14 June 2012 11:00 AM

I very well remember you said to media there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies.

Malin Thursday, 14 June 2012 11:22 AM

He must be day dreaming that UPFA will invite him to join them.

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Video: ‘I will never join this govt.’ - SF

Comments - 60

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