In his first news conference since his release form prison on the 21st May, General Sarath Fonseka, vowed to "topple" the Rajapaksa government.
The general, who is one of the key architects of the massacre of 2009, described the Rajapaksa administration as "dictatorial" and "corrupt".
Whilst he is banned from running for presidency for another seven years (due to his jail sentence), Fonseka pledged to lead the opposition.
Fonseka said:
"I can speak on election platforms, I could form a political party and be its leader and could lead the masses,"
"We must topple this corrupt government,"