Ex-Lanka army chief Fonseka denies incitement charge

COLOMBO - Defeated Sri Lankan presidential candidate and the country’s former army chief, General Sarath Fonseka, has denied inciting unrest during an appearance before a civilian magistrate’s court here.

General Fonseka claimed that the newspaper had misquoted him and that the case was part of an attempt to silence him.

He is accused of saying that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who is the brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, ordered the killings of Tamil rebels who surrendered during last year’s military offensive against the group.

General Fonseka has filed several petitions in higher courts challenging his arrest in February, 12 days after he failed to unseat President Rajapaksa in elections.he general led the military offensive which resulted in the elimination of the separatist Tamil Tiger leadership in May last year.

General Fonseka fell out with the president and his brother over who should take the most credit for the victory.

“It is ironic that the man who was hailed a national hero for crushing Tamil Tigers is being brought before court exactly a year later,” said Gen Fonseka’s lawyer, Nalin Laduwahetty. “This is a frivolous case.”

The judge adjourned the hearing until May 26. (ANI)