Fonseka calls for removal of armed forces commanders; to contest polls alone

Wednesday, 11 February 2015 00:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former commander of the Sri Lanka Army General Sarath Fonseka The former commander of the Sri Lanka Army General Sarath Fonseka yesterday called for the removal of all commanders of the country’s tri-forces. Addressing a media conference at the Democratic Party headquarters in Colombo, General Fonseka said all the present commanders of the armed forces should be removed as they have no “proper understanding of their responsibilities.” He said that although the commanders were unable to carry out their plans at the last moment, action should still be taken against them. He called on the Government to appoint people with more experience to such positions. Speaking on the forthcoming general election, the Democratic Party leader said his party would contest the elections independently and will not join with any other political party or a group. He said the stance is aimed at providing justice to supporters of the party including organisers and to give them the opportunity to win the election. General Fonseka said his party always acts in accordance with the policies of the existing Government and if the present Government wins the forthcoming election there is no any hindrance to work with them. Fonseka said that necessary legal actions will be taken to regain his lost parliament membership which was illegally taken by the previous regime. Jayantha Ketagoda who was appointed to fill his parliamentary seat when Fonseka lost the political rights, has not given it back after this Government reinstated his rights, General Fonseka said. He added that if he gets his post again for the next three months, it will be a massive strength to the party’s foundation and the supporters. All officials of the security forces who were subjected to political retaliation will regain their relevant positions and salaries in the next two weeks, the reinstated General assured.