I shared facts obtained from Facebook: SF

18 March 2020 09:36 pm

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka today said that the information he recently shared over coronavirus situation in Sri Lanka was received via the Facebook and that he was even ready to go to jail if it would help stop the spreading of COVID-19.

The CCD began an investigation on the alleged misleading statements made by the Field Marshal and former MP Rajitha Senaratne on COVID-19.

“I got information from Facebook, while some in my electorate also informed me about it. There is no way for us in the Opposition to obtain correct information from the official authorities," Field Marshal said.

"I later informed all media institutions not to mention the part of my conversation on Monday but a discussion aired in one TV Channel referred to my statement where the presenter and the Police Spokesman said I could be arrested for what I said.

“I have a recording on the conversation which my Media Secretary had with media institutions where he requested not to broadcast or publish my statement" he added.

"I don't mind going to jail if it helped to stop the spread of Coronavirus," he said.

" President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his address to the nation on Tuesday said there were 1,500 COVID- 19 suspected cases in the country. This is in contrast to 200 which is the figure which health authorities have come up with. Is anyone going to arrest the President ?" he questioned.(Yohan Perera)