dailymirror.lk

Summary of evidence over; report handed over to Army chief

Former Army Commander and Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka is to be brought before a court martial shortly on more than five charges under the Army Act, the army announced yesterday.

“The summary of evidence over charges brought against retired General Fonseka, made in compliance with provisions of the Army Act was completed and handed over to the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya over the weekend,” military Spokesman Prasad Samarasingha told Daily Mirror.

He said that legal officers attached to the Army Directorate of Legal Services are now in the process of reviewing the contents and maintain that there is a prima facie case against General Fonseka on more than five counts under the Army Act. “The Army Commander, in receipt of legal consultations, is expected to appoint the Court Martial for trial shortly,” the spokesman said.

He also said that the summary of evidence was recorded by Army Chief of Staff Major General Daya Rathnayaka, as appointed Recording Officer, within a period of 22 days after obtaining evidence from 35 individuals, inclusive of 22 Army personnel, seven Police officers and six civilians.

General Fonseka was taken into military police custody on February 8 and detained at the Navy Headquarters under tight security. On February 13, the army started to record summary of evidence, notwithstanding protests by the General.