Fonseka's statement condemned
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Ven Dr. Walpola Piyananda Thera |
Prof. Laksiri Fernando |
Gomin Dayasri - Attorney-at-Law |
S. A. Premaratna - Attorney-at-Law |
Kalinga Indratissa - Attorney-at-Law |
The Sunday Observer carries the views of several eminent
personalities on a controversial statement of Sarath Fonseka which
appeared in the Sunday Leader of December 13.
According to the Sunday Leader, Fonseka had said that Defence
Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed a key ground commander in the
North that all LTTE leaders must be killed and not allowed to surrender.
Ven. Dr. Walpola Piyananda Thera said that the aim of Fonseka's
statement was to reveal that Sri Lanka had violated human rights during
the humanitarian operation to eradicate terrorism in Sri Lanka.This
statement must be condemned by all patriotic citizens in Sri Lanka. That
shows the weak character of a person who has no leadership qualities at
all, the Venerable Thera said.
Chairman of the US Senate's International Affairs Committee, John
Kerry had initiated suggestions to establish a better relationship with
Sri Lanka recently. At this juncture, any person who tries to sabotage
the improving friendly relations with USA should be treated as a traitor
and terrorist supporter, Ven. Piyananda Thera said.
Colombo University Don Professor Laksiri Fernando said that while the
country expects a serious dialogue on the policies of the presidential
candidates, Sarath Fonseka has divulged defence secrets purely based on
personal grudges.
It is a pity, he said. Fonseka's statement gives a big boost to
efforts by certain foreign powers out to involve Sri Lanka in alleged
war crimes. He had betrayed not only the Forces, but also the struggle
against terrorism, the Professor said.
Senior Attorney-at-Law Gomin Dayasri said Sarath Fonseka's statement
had caused embarrassment to the Armed Forces. Whether it was true or
false, the statement he made on the Armed Forces carries considerable
weight as he was the Army Commander and the Chief of Defence Staff, he
said.
The statement he made may be treated as hearsay, but the fact remains
that he was the former Army Commander and now a Presidential Candidate.
He made the allegation at a time certain foreign elements were trying
to discredit the Forces and the victory gained by the Government,
Dayasiri said.
Attorney-at-Law Kalinga Indratissa said according to the Official
Secrets Act No. 32 of 1955, Sarath Fonseka's statement was a very
serious matter of concern for the country in the context of national
security."This was the first time that a responsible person had betrayed
the country's national security and national interests", he said.Top
public and private sector officials are not expected to divulge secrets
relating to their services. That is an ethical obligation on their part,
said Senior Attorney-at-Law S.A. Premaratna. Whether the statement is
true or not is immaterial. It reveals the low calibre of the person, he
said.Divulging official secrets at political platforms is a punishable
offence, he said.A retired Administration Officer in a Government
Department, K. K. Sumanasiri said that the country needs honest leaders
who never betray their colleageus.
"During the last 60 years after independence, we could not wriggle
out of poverty. Countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and China achieved
their development targets mainly due to national leadership and
commitment to achieving these goals.
Referring to Sarath Fonseka's controversial statement, he said
divulging defence secrets reflects the nature of his character. |
