Arrest Of General Sarath Fonseka – An Act Of Vengeance – National Bhikku Front

Issuing a communiqué the National Bhikku Front has condemned the arrest of General Sarath Fonseka as act of vengeance.

The communiqué issued by the President of the National Bhikku Front, Ven. Dambara Amila reads as follows:

On behalf of the patriotic Bhikkus we condemn the arrest of General Sarath Fonseka last night. This is obviously an act of revenge.

The people who urged on stage ‘against taking revenge’ have turned their own speeches as incredible today by this act. It is being empathized by everybody with a logical mind. The eye-witnesses have disclosed to the media the detestable manner in which General Fonseka was arrested.

The allegations against General Fonseka cited as he has conspired to overthrow the Government when he was the Chief of Defence and acting against the President. It is to be questioned why the President and the Defence Secretary suggested him to take up an appointment as the Member of Parliament in Galle. Further why he was offered the Secretary’s post of the Ministry of Sports, when he was the Chief of Defence?   These allegations wouldn’t have risen if he accepted any of those appointments.  It is much evident that all these allegations are levelled since he rejected those appointments and decided to contest as the common candidate at the Presidential Elections.   

Those who appeared on behalf of Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa introduced him using very sensitive words as a very thin-skinned, full of paternal compassion personality with a village based leadership who valued humanity.   We have to emphasize them that they are responsible for the present un-democratic approach of the Government.  

It has to be emphasized that General Sarath Fonseka won the hearts of people since the victory at Mavil Aru and Thoppigala battle fronts until the final victory. A public survey revealed that he was topping the list while Defence Secretary was the second and President Rajapaksa was the third in recognition immediately after the war. It is apparent that his arrest will agitate both his loyalists as well as the others. The first among them will be the Chief Buddhist Monks.

Needless to say that General Sarath Fonseka has become popular locally as well as internationally for defeating the terrorism which lasted over 3 decades in the country. It is the duty of the Government which stood for democracy to safeguard his life out of the dangerous situation without being harassed mentally and physically ignoring his human values. 

Our motherland was fortunate to save the life of General Sarath Fonseka thrice who was considered as the chief enemy of Prabhakaran.   If this act is a total political revenge, it is obvious as an envious act against the democracy. It is the responsibility of those who were engaged in the election campaign with the masses to come forward at this moment.

It is inevitable that the country is in a unstable and dangerous situation with the arrest of General Fonseka. Those who were sent on compulsory leave within the armed forces during the recent past will be against this arrest. It is with regret that we state that this situation will be a serious situation with regard to the security of the country. 

Therefore we intently appeal to all clergy, intellectuals, senior citizens and the whole society to join in this hour of need against the anti-democratic journey of the Government.