Fonseka faces over five charges

Sandasen Marasinghe

*Court Martial soon after charges are filed

*Summary of evidence handed to Army Chief

Military Spokesman Major General Prasad Samarasinghe yesterday said more than five charges will be filed against former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka within a few days. This will done in compliance with the provisions of the Army Act before a Court Martial, he said.

He said the report of the Summary of Evidence on the charges against Fonseka was handed over to the Army Commander during the weekend. Military Spokesman Samarasinghe at a press briefing at the Media Centre for National Security, said the report is being scrutinized by Army Legal division officers before filing the charges.

He said there was evidence to charge Fonseka on more than five counts. Immediately after the charges are filed, the Court Martial will commence sittings against Fonseka.

The Court Martial will consist of either three or five judges appointed by the Army Commander under powers delegated to him by the President in accordance with the powers vested in him under the Constitution.

With reference to the Summary of Evidence, the Military spokesman said 35 witnesses have given evidence at the inquiry.

Out of them 22 are army personnel while seven witnesses are from the Police. The rest are civil society members.

Samarasinghe also stated that the camp where the Court Martial would be held is yet to be decided.