Following General Sarath Fonseka’s resignation from the Sri Lankan Army on November 12, the government not only relieved him “with immediate effect.
Fonseka, the chief of defence staff, formerly Chief of the Sri Lanka Army, led country’s military forces in the last stages of the war against the Liberation Tigers. With accusations of war crimes being committed in the final stages of the combat, Fonseka could potentially face charges if the allegations are proven.
Fonseka had requested permission to retire from December 1, and also requested protection including trained combat soldiers and bullet proof vehicles.
He further requested that “a suitable protected government resident be made available for me to live in”, and went on to ask that “approval be granted for me to continue occupation of the present official residence of the Commander of the Army”.
Responding on November 15, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunge informed Fonseka that he was not only retired “with immediate effect” but that he was also required to vacate his official residence, and that suitable accommodation would be found for him.
The letter from Weeratunga stated that he had already overstayed his date of retirement by four years and that he should retire with immediate effect, in keeping with his request for resignation.
"This decision has been arrived at having giving anxious consideration to the fact that you yourself believe that the president and the government have lost the trust and faith bestowed upon you, as the senior most serving military officer in the country," the letter said.
Fonseka has been replaced by the Sri Lankan Air Force commander. Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetileke was made the new chief of defence staff in addition to his duties as head of the air force, according to an official from Rajapaksa's office.
