Irreparable harm to forces by former Army Commander, Sri Lanka cabinet says

The Cabinet of Ministers unreservedly condemned the war crime allegations made by the former Army Commander General (Rtd) Sarath Fonseka. The Cabinet said no Commander of the Army has inflicted such irreparable harm on men of loyalty and courage who have served under him.

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake read a statement issued after the cabinet meeting in Colombo.

"The government took serious note of the grave threat posed to the good name of the country as well as to every member of the security forces as a result of this false statement," a statement said.

The cabinet issued this statement in reference to Gen Fonseka’s statement to the Sunday Leader newspaper alleging that the Defence Secretary ordered to shoot surrendering cadres. Although Gen Fonseka subsequently denied the statement, the Sunday Leader stated that it stood by the story.

Cabinet Statement in full: “The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on December 23, 2009, took serious note of the recent allegations made in the media by General (Rtd) Sarath Fonseka and the consequences arising there from.

The Cabinet paid special attention to the letter of December 18, 2009 addressed by Phillip Alston, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extra Judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, to Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to United Nations in Geneva Kshenuka Seneviratne.

The Cabinet was appalled at the total irresponsibility and blatant statement of General (Rtd) Sarath Fonseka’s which is reckless and entirely without foundation. The Cabinet wishes to state that hitherto, no Commander of the Army has inflicted such irreparable harm on men of loyalty and courage who have served under him.

The Cabinet took note of the grave threat to the good name of our country as well as to every member of the security forces as a result of this false statement.

The Security Forces of Sri Lanka have won praise the world over for their unparalleled and disciplined achievement in vanquishing the fores of terror and restoring democracy, peace and stability to our motherland.

The sense of professionalism that characterised their conduct made this victory all the more special.

The Cabinet condemned unreservedly the malicious and contemptible attempt by General (Rtd) Fonseka to cast wholly unwarranted aspersions on the honour and integrity of our security forces and to assail their richly deserved reputation.

The Cabinet, mindful of the valuable service rendered by the Security Forces which has won the deep appreciation and respect of an entire nation, decided to used all means at its disposal to defend every member of the security forces against any potential international repercussions of the despicable act.

The Cabinet will give resolute leadership in formulating and implementing a course of action to achieve this end.

- Asian Tribune -