A fruitless meeting

With the Presidential Elections becoming the hottest topic in town, reports flowing from the United National Party (UNP) say that the Opposition's common candidate, General (Rtd.) Sarath Fonseka recently met Iqbal Athas, Defence Analyst of the Sunday Times and requested his assistance for the Presidential Election campaign.

While Gen. Fonseka was serving as Army Commander he had described Athas as a LTTE informant. Athas, during the recent meeting is reported to have said that if Fonseka is willing to publicly withdraw this statement he could consider extending his support. Fonseka had not given a positive response. He had stated that most of the actions taken to threaten journalists were plans of the Defence Secretary and he had no involvement.

However, at a subsequent media conference held for the electronic media, Gen. (Rtd) Fonseka has stated that if anyone accuses Army personnel of involvement in harassing journalists it amounts to betraying the Sri Lanka Army.

"It is not surprising if Gen. (Rtd) Fonseka asked for support from Athas as he has already sought the support of the UNP, a party which always undermined the efforts of the Army Commander in the past," said Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella speaking to the 'Sunday Observer'.

Minister Rambukwella also said it is thus not surprising that Gen. (Rtd) Fonseka can stand in line side by side with politicians like Mangala Samaraweera, who had at one time stated that Gen. Fonseka as Army Commander was not fit even to lead the Salvation Army.