Court Martial Proceedings Against Sarath Fonseks Commence Today

The first Court Martial proceedings against Sarath Fonseka, the former Army Commander begins today.

A three-member tribunal comprising three Major Generals named by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, would try the ex-army chief at a special Court, set up in the Ward Room of the Officers Mess, located in the Navy Headquarters.

The court-martial panel will comprise of Major General H. L. Weerathunga (Chair) who is the Director of Asset Management in the Sri Lanka Army, Major General A. L. R. Wijetunga – who is the Quarter Marshal in charge supplies, food, transport and civil construction and Major General D. R. A. B. Jayatilake – a Sinha Regiment Officer and the Commandant – Volunteer Force.

The Judge Advocate will be Rear Admiral W.W.J.S. Fernando.

It is learnt that Senior State Counsel Bhuwaneka Aluwihare is named to lead evidence and to prosecute in the trial against Sarath Fonseka.

In today’s Court Martial, three charges including that of participating in politics while in office will be taken up.

Another trial on four charges, including that of violating military procurement procedures, would commence tomorrow.

The Court Martial is held in accordance with the Sections 124 (1), 102 and 109 of the Army Act.

An Army source told Asian Tribune that trial is not conducted in camera, but he clarified it has been the long standing tradition not only in Sri Lanka, but in all the other countries that press is not allowed to cover court martial proceedings.

In the meantime Asian Tribune learnt that Sarath Fonseka has already received two sets of national dress brought by his wife when she visited him yesterday afternoon.

It is learnt that he is expected to participate in the court martial proceedings against him in the national dress to symbolize that he is a civilian and has nothing to do anymore with the Army uniforms and Army dress codes.

When asked in case if he refuses to participate in the Court Martial proceedings, then what will happen?

The Army sources told Asian Tribune that whether he make himself present or not, the Court Martial trial would proceed to finish.

- Asian Tribune -