Fonseka arrest:

Opposition should refrain from provoking public - PNM Leader

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

Patriotic National Movement President Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera yesterday appealed to the leaders of political parties and their members to refrain from misleading and provoking the public over the arrest of former Army Commander for political gain.

He asked Opposition political leaders to desist from hoodwinking the public for political mileage and act responsibly upon the arrest of former Army Commander General (Rtd) Sarath Fonseka as there are allegations of concern leveled against the former General.

"Let the former General exonerate himself from all allegations levelled against him in a Court of Law," he said.

The allegations include certain violations of Army Rules, corrupt purchasing of military equipment and conspiring against the Commander in Chief.

What the Government has done so far is taking necessary legal action against the former General. The Government has not done anything illegal, he pointed out.

The Government has allowed General Fonseka to explain his position to exonerate himself from these charges, said Dr. Amarasekera.

"Some are trying to gain political capital by virtue of Fonseka's arrest . There are certain complaints against this incident," he said. Appealing to political parties not to interfere with the legal process, Dr. Amarasekera said, persistent goading upon the public to gain political capital could bring disrepute.

For example when the political parties expressed their reservations about the verdict of the Elections Commissioner in the last Presidential Election, the Elections Commissioner asked the Opposition parties to go to a Court of Law for justice.

"In the same way the opposing parties can seek the assistance of a Court of Law regarding the matter instead of inciting the public to gain political capital," he added.