Former SLA commander Fonseka in Welikada Prison

[TamilNet, Friday, 01 October 2010, 09:03 GMT]
Sarath Fonseka, former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, was transferred to Welikada Prison Thursday around 10:30 p.m to serve his 30 months’ rigorous imprisonment following the ratification of the recommendation of the Second Court Martial. Sri Lanka President’s ratification endorsed that Fonseka should serve thirty months in prison and not 36 months as recommended by the Second Court Martial for violating tender procedures in purchasing arms to the Sri Lanka Army.

Fonseka is being held separately in the prison and not with other prisoners, prison sources said.

Fonseka was brought to Welikada prison from the Navy Headquarters where he was kept in detention since February 8.

The transfer took place after photographers and television video crews ended a 12-hour watch outside the prison complex located adjoining the Baseline road, Borella expecting Fonseka’s arrival.

However, the media personnel left the place following heavy rainfall.