Government responds to Fonseka’s statements

Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga acknowledging the letter of resignation by General Sarath Fonseka as Chief of Defence Staff on behalf of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said that he has been directed by the President to inform him that a further communication would follow in regard to the numerous statements made by him (General) in his letter and annexure A.

Following is the full text of the letter by the Secretary to the President: I am directed by His Excellency the President to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 12 November 2009 seeking permission to retire from the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army.

“I have also been directed by His Excellency the President to inform you that in keeping with your wish to proceed on retirement without further delay as you have already over stayed your date of retirement by four years, you will be retired from the Sri Lanka Army with immediate effect. Consequently, you will cease to hold office as Chief of Defence Staff, also with immediate effect.”

“This decision has been arrived at having given anxious consideration to the fact that you yourself believe that HE the President and the Government have lost the trust and faith bestowed upon you, as the senior most serving military officer in the country.”

“I have been further directed to inform you that you will also be provided with adequate security commensurate with the level of threat.” “In regard to the numerous statements made by you in your letter under reference and Annex A, I’m directed by His Excellency the President to inform you that a further communication will follow setting out the position of the Government.”