Colombo:Religious leaders in Sri Lanka are demanding the release of former army chief Sarath Fonseka.
Fonseka was convicted for corrupt arms deals and is now serving a 30-month jail sentence. He was also charged with conspiring to topple the government after his defeat to President Mahinda Rajapaksa in January’s presidential elections.
Seen as the main strategist of the military success over the Tamil Tigers, Fonseka had fallen out with Rajapaksa over who should get credit for ending the long-standing civil war.
“Considering his service rendered to the nation, you should overlook any mistakes he may have made and set him free,” said Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero of Nagaviharaya temple.
A temple also recently conducted an adishtana pooja — a Buddhist religious ceremony to invoke blessings — for Fonseka.
Father Earnest Porutota from St. Anthony’s Church in Kirimetiyagara described Fonseka’s case as politically motivated.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka also issued a statement calling on the president for Fonseka’s release.
Government spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella said the president would “positively consider granting a pardon” if the family appealed for one. But Anoma Fonseka, the former general’s wife said she would do no such thing as her husband “is not guilty of anything.”
Thousands of protestors dressed in black have also marched through Colombo carrying placards and shouting for Fonseka’s release.
Buddhist monks, opposition activists and trade unionists have also rallied outside the prison where Fonseka is being held.ucanews