Fonseka returns with a whimper

by K.T. Rajasingham

Sarath Fonseka who went to India with a bang, has returned to Colombo quietly with a whimper.

It was reported that the former Chief of Defence Staff who left on a private visit to India on Thursday, has returned to Colombo with a heavy heart and uncertain future as his stars clearly indicated "a future with uncertainty."

Reports from New Delhi said that Indian Government leaders did not show any interest in meeting the retired General.

It is learnt that before he left for India he implored the Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha, for a special arrangement to meet Indian Government leaders in New Delhi. But it seems that his request was not heeded. When Asian Tribune tried to contact Ashok K. Kantha in Colombo, the High Commission official said that he had left for India on a private visit.

Fonseka accompanied by his financier, Senake De Silva, an arms dealer, reportedly went to Mumbai and Bodh Gaya in Bihar. He also met an astrologer - a horoscope reader, who told him that as he was born on December 18,1950, and is now experiencing an unfavourable period as the movement of Saturn, also known as the "Great Malefic," in his horoscope is positioned very badly and is set to create untold disturbances for the next two years.

In the meantime, the retired General who made a big fuss while leaving for India at the airport in Colombo for concessions which he was not entitled to after his retirement, made use of his diplomatic passport for travel to India. Sources told Asian Tribune that he is not expected to use the diplomatic passport for travel outside the country after his retirement.

The retired General also continues to make use of the General's House in Bullers Road for his political campaign. The sixty-year-old General's House, was meant for the serving Army Commander and his family and a retired Army Commander, without further delay, should leave and make way for the serving Army Commander's use.

Many in Colombo said that the retired General's recalcitrant approach clearly indicates that even after his retirement, he continues to intimidate officials for concessions.

They said they shudder to foresee, in case he wins the Presidential election: he will be more authoritative, dictatorial and more of an intimidating personality.

(Courtesy: Asian Tribune)