Govt. must show backbone to probe deals between political leaders and Prabhakaran: Sarath Fonseka

Accuses MR of declaring a ceasefire in early 2009 to facilitate the escape of senior LTTE leaders 

By Yohan Perera  

Former MP and Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has called on the current government to demonstrate political will by appointing a powerful commission to investigate alleged deals between past political leaders and the LTTE, particularly during the final stages of Sri Lanka’s civil war.  

Speaking at a public meeting in Matara yesterday, Fonseka launched a scathing attack on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, accusing him of declaring a ceasefire in early 2009 to facilitate the escape of senior LTTE leaders. He further alleged that Rajapaksa paid $3 million to the LTTE in exchange for suppressing Tamil voter turnout during the 2005 Presidential Election.  

“Even former Minister Basil Rajapaksa informed me of this deal in 2009. But I refrained from confronting the government then because I was focused on leading the war effort,” Fonseka said.  

He went on to make a controversial statement, asserting, “As per the constitution, the former President should be subjected to the death penalty. But at the very least, a thorough investigation into dealings with the LTTE must be conducted.”  

Recalling the events of early 2009, Fonseka alleged that the ceasefire declared at the time was intended to allow LTTE leaders to escape. “Our defence lines were pulled back by 5 km. Fortunately, Prabhakaran, believing he could still defeat us, refused to flee. Despite that miscalculation on his part, we managed to bring the war to an end,” he said.  

Turning his focus to the present, Fonseka criticised the government’s economic performance, saying Sri Lanka has not progressed as expected. “The country is still mired in an economic crisis. Our per capita income should be raised to $10,000 within the next five years,” he said.  

He also criticised the lack of accountability in corruption investigations, noting, “We see only small fish being caught, while the big fish go free.”  

According to Fonseka, the return of former political leaders is not a viable solution. “We cannot continue the same cycle of traditional politics or expect progress from the current Parliament. We need new leadership. If the present government fails, a new political movement will become essential,” he added.  

“I hope the people of this country understand this reality and cast their votes wisely in the future.”