The people of this country are in despair, says Sarath Fonseka

Disciplinarian Brigadier Ashok Weerasinghe stated in court Friday that Major General Shawendra Silva had ordered him over the phone to recall soldiers who had been deployed as security detail to former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka.

The Brigadier made this statement when the case against former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka and his former secretary Captain Senaka Haripriya De silva was taken up at the Colombo High court yesterday.

During cross examination by the defence, Brigadier Ashok Weerasinghe said that he also received a letter stating that that the soldiers be considered as deserters and that it be considered that they had ignored the recall order.

The Brigadier said there was no record of the letter and that he was unaware if the letter had been issued by Army Headquarters.

Hearings of the case were postponed until April 25.

Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka and Senaka Haripriya De Silva have been charged that they turned soldiers against the state and that they conspired to undermine Army orders.

’’The people of this country are in despair. They do not have food, drink or shelter. The cabinet is holding parties in Diyatalawa. They are holding football tournaments. When Rome was burning Nero played the violin. We have to solve our own problems. The people should stay with us,’’ said the Former Army Commander, Sarath Fonseka.