Fonseka to be produced before Court Martial on March 16

[TamilNet, Friday, 12 March 2010, 04:47 GMT]
General (retired) Sarath Fonseka who unsuccessfully contested the January presidential poll will be produced before court martial on March 16 and 17 on seven counts under the Army Act. The bench of the court martial comprises Major General H. L. Weeratunge (Chairman), Major General A. C. R. Wijetunge and Major General D. R. A. Jayatilake, according to Military Spokesman Prasad Samarasinghe.

Sarath Fonseka was arrested by the military police on February 8 and detained at the Navy headquarters. Major General Daya Ratnayake recorded the Summary of Evidence from 35 witnesses. The Summary of Evidence was handed over to the Army Commander Major General Jagath Jayasuriya last week-end.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Commander-In-Chief has appointed two tribunals to try the former Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army who is now in military custody, Major General Prasad Samarasinghe added.

Major General Prasad Samarasinghe further briefed media that General Fonseka is being charged under two categories– participation in political work while in active service and contravention of laid down procedures related to military procurement.

Rear Admiral W. W. J. S. Fernando will officiate as the Judge Advocate during the court martial hearing.