Fonseka to be free soon
21 May 2012 7:24 AM GMT
Giving in to US-led international pressure, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has ordered the release of his former army chief-turned-political rival Sarath Fonseka after two years of incarceration.
Rajapaksa signed the papers ordering the release of 61-year-old Fonseka prior to his departure to Qatar, presidential spokesman Bandula Jayasekera told reporters here.
The papers were handed over to presidential chief of staff Gamini Senarath for onward transmission to the ministry of justice tomorrow, following which the formalities for Fonseka's release would be completed. Rajapaksa departed last night on a state visit to Qatar.
Fonseka was serving a three-year jail term, having been convicted by the High Court in what was termed as the 'white flag' case after the Sri Lankan army wiped out LTTE threat.
Rajapaksa signed the papers ordering the release of 61-year-old Fonseka prior to his departure to Qatar, presidential spokesman Bandula Jayasekera told reporters here.
The papers were handed over to presidential chief of staff Gamini Senarath for onward transmission to the ministry of justice tomorrow, following which the formalities for Fonseka's release would be completed. Rajapaksa departed last night on a state visit to Qatar.
Fonseka was serving a three-year jail term, having been convicted by the High Court in what was termed as the 'white flag' case after the Sri Lankan army wiped out LTTE threat.
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