Sarath Fonseka to be tried over 5 charges under Army Act

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 10 March 2010, 10:58 GMT]
Retired Major General Sarath will be tried over five charges under Army Act at a court martial within next few days, Military spokesman, Major General Prasad Amarasinghe told media Monday. He added that the summary of evidence over charges against General Fonseka made in compliance with provisions of the Army Act was completed and handed over to Army Commander over the weekend.

The military spokesman said legal officers in the Army Directorate of Legal Services are now in the process of reviewing the contents. They maintain that there is a prima facie case against General Fonseka on more than five charges under the Army Act.

He said that the Army Commander, in receipt of legal consultations, is expected to appoint the Court Martial for trial in the next few days.

The summary of evidence, recorded by Army Chief of Staff Major General Daya Ratnayake as appointed recording officer was completed within a period of 22 days after obtaining evidence from 35 individuals, inclusive of 22 Army personnel, 7 Police officers and 6 civilians.