“This Is The Gift My Husband Got For Finishing A 30 Year Old War” – Anoma Fonseka

Speaking at a media briefing held at their official residence, Mrs Anoma Fonseka, wife of General Sarath Fonseka, said that General Fonseka was not arrested but virtually kidnapped by the Government– “ this is the gift he got for finishing the 30 year old war” a tearful Mrs Fonseka said.

“ The army came to arrest him last night at around 9.30 pm. My husband is now a civilian and is no longer in the army. He can only be arrested by the police as a civilian. But last night, he was taken away by the army, led by General Manawadu whom I know very well. He used language on my husband that is very unbecoming of an officer.”

“ They say that he was arrested under military law. I too know about the military law. It says that an officer can only be arrested in a decent manner, by an officer superior to him. General Manawadu lied to my husband that the police were waiting for him downstairs when my husband told him that he could be arrested only by the police. My husband was dragged away like a common criminal.”

“ I do not know the whereabouts of my husband. No one has informed me of anything – I as his wife, should be informed of where he is. My husband never wanted to overthrow the Goverment – if he did, he could have done it when he ended the war. He has never engaged in politics while in uniform. This is the gift they gave my husband for finishing the 30 year old war.”

“ I invite all women to join us in our struggle for freedom. Today it could happen to your husband, to your father. As women, we should come together. I regret very much that the Government has had to stoop so low.” She added.