The statements publicly made by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva have been the crucial evidence against General Sarath Fonseka for him to be taken into custody, said Jathika Nidahas Peramuna leader and Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa.

Addressing a media briefing at the party headquarters in Battaramulla, Mr. Weerawansa said that Tilvin Silva, during the run-up to the Presidential poll had openly stated that when General Fonseka was in the USAand had problems regarding the questionings by it government, Fonseka had contacted him for advice.

General Fonseka who was the Chief of Defence Staff at that time, instead of contacting his superiors had contacted the JVP, according to Tilvin Silva. This proves that he had been dabbling in politics even when he was in service, which was unbecoming of a senior-most military officer, said Mr. Weerawansa.

The retired general had also made several statements to the local as well as the foreign media saying that he was willing to give evidence at an international war crimes trinunal if necessary and tell them of the incidents during the final stages of the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He has said those may have happened or he had heard of such things. He has also stated that he would not attempt to protect anyone if found to have carried out wrong instructions.

However, as he was the Commander of the Army at that time, he should have known what was happening on the ground, as he had claimed that all planning for the war was done by him. As Commander, he has to be responsible for all actions of the Army. He is not a baby, added Mr. Weerawansa.

If he claims to be not responsible to actions by the Sri Lanka Army, enters politics and starts to divulge classified information or incidents that could be confidential, then how can the government maintain a disciplined army, questioned Mr. Weerawansa.

The rank and file in the Army will be demoralized knowing that whatever they do, their chief will one day betray them after his retirement, Wimal Weerawansa said.

At the same media briefing Wimal Weerawansa said that contrary to reports that he would enter the next parliament through the National List, he would contest from the Colombodistrict. He also said that his party was discussing with the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to field one JNP candidate from each district.