‘Fonseka May be Put in Jail for Five Years’

Former army chief Sarath Fonseka would be tried by court martial for treason and “can be put in jail for as long as five years,” a top Sri Lankan official said today, though the Government is yet to slap formal charges against him.

The court martial would start after a few procedures were completed, the powerful younger brother of the President and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said adding that the charges were “serious” and the general can be jailed for five years.”

For the first time Gotabaya accused the war hero of “ordering the murders of journalists”, claiming that he may be tried in both military and civilian courts.

Gotabaya also accused Fonseka of misusing his office and trying to split the army he led.

The defeated Presidential candidate was taken into military custody on February 8 and his wife has moved the Supreme Court against his detention. The apex court is expected to take up the case for hearing tomorrow.

Gotabaya’s remarks come as the government warned the detained ex-army chief against providing “evidence to certain international organisations” on alleged war crimes during the final battle with LTTE.

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said that the government took strong exception to his reported remarks that he would “reveal the truth” on the war-crimes, a threat which has apparently rattled the government hierarchy.