Fonseka's arrest:

Legal position misinterpreted

Sandasen MARASINGHE

Several leading lawyers yesterday claimed that there has emerged a new trend to misinterpret the correct legal process by certain elements in respect of General Sarath Fonseka and mislead the public.

They made this observation at a press conference held at the Government Information Department Auditorium.

Claiming that these people were manipulating some of the Venerable Maha Sangha in executing their scheme they said that this was a part of a conspiracy to obstruct the massive development process that is to be implemented in the aftermath of eliminating terrorism.

Addressing the media Attorney Mahesh Katulanda stated that the Government could not gain political advantage by the legal proceedings since Sarath Fonseka has at least not been appointed as the leader of the opposition or a joint opposition leader. They have not decided what would be their political stance with regard to the future election.

Attorney Ananda Gunatilake stated that General Sarath Fonseka could have been taken into custody based on the statements he made at his Presidential rallies and even after the election. He (Fonseka) told the foreign media that he was ready to give evidence about the operations he led against the LTTE terrorists. He was taken into custody by Military Police and it was not an act of political revenge.

Attorney Sagara Kariyawasam stated that certain political parties were attempting to misinterpret this legal process as they were short of election slogans for the upcoming General Election.