Sarath Fonseka to get top defence post?

Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne says that the Cabinet of Ministers has discussed the possibility of appointing Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka to a top defence-related position to work alongside the country’s security forces.

Addressing the cabinet press briefing today (26), he said that attention was drawn to appointing Fonseka to this position mainly with the intention of building discipline in several sectors.  

Sarath Fonseka, Sri Lanka’s wartime Army Commander, who currently serves as the Minister of Regional Development, says that President Maithripala Sirisena had inquired his opinion regarding the matter during yesterday’s cabinet meeting.  

Speaking to Ada Derana, he said that the President had asked him whether he would be willing to take on the responsibility and lead an organisation - if created to resolve the issues such as acts of sabotage which surface when carrying our essential services and other urgent situations. 

He stated that although they had discussed about vesting that duty as an additional responsibility while continuing to serve in his ministerial portfolio, the proper system or protocols were not discussed. He also said that the President did not give any specific instructions either. 

Fonseka said that if certain groups acting on the behest of politicians are attempting to sabotage the country’s administrative affairs and if that hinders the government’s action, it is not possible to maintain normal administrative services in the country.