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Arrest of General Fonseka Poses New Political Crisis for Sri Lanka
February 24, 2010
By: Paul Larson | Printer Friendly

Sri Lanka has faced down significant military challenges in the past year, but now faces a political challenge.  General Sarath Fonseka, a long-time ally of President Mahinda Rajapaksa who subsequently became a political rival, was arrested on February 8 on charges of conspiracy against the government and releasing military secrets.  If convicted, the Sri Lanka Guardian reports that Fonseka could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Rajapaksa and Fonseka became allies determined to defeat the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) by any means necessary.  The brutal insurgency group was finally defeated in May 2009 after decades of civil war due to a large expansion of military forces.  After the military battle was won, however, the political fight began.  The long-time allies became electoral rivals in November 2009 when Fonseka declared his intentions to challenge Rajapaksa for the presidency.  President Rajapaksa was overwhelmingly reelected over General Fonseka in late January 2010 with a margin of 17 percentage points, but Fonseka disputed the results as fraudulent and vowed to contest the poll.

Fonseka’s February 8 arrest follows the arrests of a group of his staff members shortly after the election; the New York Times reports 15 people were arrested, the Daily Telegraph reports 21 people, and the AFP reports 36 people.  All news outlets note that the staff members were former military officers.  Thirteen high ranking military officers were removed from their positions shortly after the election.  Fonseka’s aide, Duminda Keppetiwalana, was arrested around the same time over the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga, according to the Telegraph.  Fonseka’s son-in-law was also arrested due to allegations of an illegal arms sale, according to the Hindustan Times.  It is unclear if these events are related, but Fonseka alleges that there is a widespread attempt to discredit him.

The conspiracy charges include plots to carry out a coup and conduct assassinations, according to the BBC.  The New York Times reports that some people speculated a coup for months and that Fonseka planned to reveal state war crimes.  Formal charges have not been made and it remains unclear if Fonseka will be tried a civilian court or military tribunal.  The AFP reported that government officials are looking into a court marshal in order to expedite the proceedings.

The Sunday Observer reports that a mob of Fonseka supporters tried to forcibly enter the Supreme Court in the capital city Colombo.  Political parties supportive of Fonseka, the United National Party (UNP) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) have announced they will mount a legal challenge to the charges, according to the BBC.  The Supreme Court ruled that Fonseka must remain in custody as it deliberates, according to the National.

President Rajapaksa has been marred by accusations of human rights abuses, according to Sri Lanka Guardian.  The BBC also notes a centralization of power within government by appointing Rajapaksa as the Minister of Information, Defense and Finance.  The Nation calls Rajapaksa increasingly autocratic and further notes, “Not only a lasting peace between the Tamils and Sinhalese is at stake but also the multiparty democracy.”

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for April 8.  The BBC reports that opposition leaders worry about disillusionment after Fonseka’s arrest and Rajapaksa Presidential margin of victory.  Low opposition voter turnout could lead to a 2/3 majority, which would allow Rajapaksa to change the constitution.

Sources:

AFP - 'Court martial' looms for S.Lanka's defeated candidate

BBC News - Sri Lankan Gen Sarath Fonseka's arrest to be challenged

BBC News - Sri Lanka Supreme Court hears Fonseka arrest challenge

Hindustan Times - Arrest warrant for Fonseka's son-in-law issued

Nation - Sri Lanka Wins a War and Diminishes Democracy

National - Sri Lankan court refuses to release Fonseka

New York Times - Crackdown Provokes Fears for Sri Lanka’s Democracy

New York Times - Sri Lanka Police Arrest Staff of Election’s Loser

Sri Lanka Guardian - Fonseka’s arrest is testimony to the fate of those who earn the wrath of the Rajapaksa brothers

Sunday Observer - Fonseka's arrest 'politicised'

Telegraph - Aide to Sri Lanka's General Fonseka arrested over journalist murder

World Politics Review - Sri Lanka: Last Chance for Lasting Peace