Colombo to block Fonseka attending Nairobi conference

[TamilNet, Monday, 21 June 2010, 03:24 GMT]
The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) led by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has decided to inform the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Union (CPU) about the alleged attempt by the government to prevent General Sarath Fonseka from attending the CPU conference to be held in Kenya in September this year, according to DNA general secretary and JVP parliamentarian Vijitha Hearat.

General Fonseka was elected from the Colombo district on the DNA ticket in the last general election held on April 8 with highest preferential votes.

He added that the government has no right to prevent Fonseka from travelling to Nairobi since the Speaker has given permission to Fonseka.

“The parliament is the supreme institution. If the government attempts to breach Fonseka’s parliamentary privileges, DNA will have to inform the CPU president and the secretary general. The Supreme Court or any Court Martial had convicted Fonseka of any crime, nor issued a directive barring him from travelling abroad,” Vijitha Herath said.

Earlier this week, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that General Sarath Fonseka has to obtain legal permission to attend the Commonwealth Parliamentary Union (CPU) conference in Kenya for his visit, even after the Speaker has given permission, as Fonseka is under military detention.