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General runs for office in Sri Lanka
Source: Agencies |
November 30, 2009, Monday
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THE Sri Lankan general who oversaw the end of 25 years of war said yesterday he will run for president, pitting himself against the man who also takes credit for the victory against Tamil Tiger rebels.
Army veteran Sarath Fonseka quit the military after a 34-month offensive, accusing President Mahinda Rajapaksa of sidelining him over unfounded coup fears.
He could now split Rajapaksa's support base and win over the votes of Sri Lankans happy the conflict is over. "I have decided to contest in the presidential poll as a common candidate of the opposition parties, on their request," Fonseka, the former chief of defence staff, told reporters.
"Sri Lanka suffered violence at the hands of terrorists and has been suffering too long. Now we have done away with the terrorism."
He criticized the government's record on corruption, media freedom, democracy, resettlement of the war displaced, the peace dividend and law and order, areas which opposition and Western nations have also said Rajapaksa has done too little.
The elections are scheduled for January 26.
"We have to ensure good governance. I been selected (for) politics with reluctance and I will ensure the democracy is re-established."
Fonseka will contest in a united opposition backed by the pro-business United National Party and the Marxists Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna.
Although a war hero, Fonseka has been criticized for his ruthless streak.
Army veteran Sarath Fonseka quit the military after a 34-month offensive, accusing President Mahinda Rajapaksa of sidelining him over unfounded coup fears.
He could now split Rajapaksa's support base and win over the votes of Sri Lankans happy the conflict is over. "I have decided to contest in the presidential poll as a common candidate of the opposition parties, on their request," Fonseka, the former chief of defence staff, told reporters.
"Sri Lanka suffered violence at the hands of terrorists and has been suffering too long. Now we have done away with the terrorism."
He criticized the government's record on corruption, media freedom, democracy, resettlement of the war displaced, the peace dividend and law and order, areas which opposition and Western nations have also said Rajapaksa has done too little.
The elections are scheduled for January 26.
"We have to ensure good governance. I been selected (for) politics with reluctance and I will ensure the democracy is re-established."
Fonseka will contest in a united opposition backed by the pro-business United National Party and the Marxists Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna.
Although a war hero, Fonseka has been criticized for his ruthless streak.
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