Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has alleged that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa should be imprisoned for 400 years, citing what he described as severe acts of corruption during Rajapaksa’s 2010 regime.
Speaking at an event, the former Army Commander criticized successive Sri Lankan leaders, claiming they lacked vision for national development. He contrasted them with international figures such as Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew, Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad, and Rwanda’s Gen. Juvénal Habyarimana, who he said took strong stances against corruption.
“In Sri Lanka, you can call a private jet from Uganda to fly to Thirupathi, claiming it was sent by a friend,” Fonseka said, referencing a past incident without naming individuals.
He also recalled a 2010 government trip to China under Rajapaksa, during which 65 individuals were reportedly taken on an official visit onboard a SriLankan Airlines flight.
Fonseka noted that while he did not condone the actions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, he supported the precedent set by the current administration in holding officials accountable. “I don’t say what Mr. Ranil Wickremsinghe did was right. It saddens me to see his fate. He is the one who brought me to politics. But in this case, I approve the precedent that this government set,” Fonseka said.
“Based on that precedent, someone like Rajapaksa would have to be sentenced to around 400 years,” he said.
Addressing what he described as a resurgence of “ranawiru gaya”—the idolization of military figures—Fonseka also responded to recent comments by Namal Rajapaksa regarding his past imprisonment.
He accused the Rajapaksa government of expelling 35 senior Army officers who were close associates of Fonseka at the Army Headquarters, including generals, brigadiers, majors and colonels, from military service without pensions. (Newswire)