Fonseka’s 2nd court martial postponed indefinitely
March 17, 2010 11:17 pm
Colombo, March 17 (PTI): Sri Lanka’s former army chief Sarath Fonseka today faced another court martial in connection with alleged contravention of military procurement procedures during his tenure, but its proceedings were put off indefinitely over the composition of its panel.
59-year-old Fonseka is being tried over two sets of charges -- engaging in politics while in service and defence procurement irregularities during his tenure -- separately.
He appeared before the first court martial yesterday on charges of engaging in politics while in uniform but he disputed the proceedings as “illegal” and refused to reply to the accusations. Its next hearing has been set for April 6.
“The second court martial proceedings today just went on for over 30 minutes and without our intervention it was decided to unanimously adjourn its sitting till a decision on its composition is taken,” Fonseka’s lawyer, Nuwan Popege, told PTI.
