Gen. Fonseka released and vows to devote life to Sri Lanka
Colombo (AsiaNews) - "I will devote my life to Sri Lanka. I hope to give you and new generations a better future, free from corruption. I promise to bring a springtime to the nation": these were the first words uttered by former General Sarath Fonseka on his release late yesterday evening. Nearly two thousand people waiting outside the Walikada prison, where he served a sentence of 30 months, waving national flags and shouting "Long live our hero and leader." Across the country, people celebrated his release with fireworks and fairs. Many now want to see the former military leader, who won the war against the Tamil Tigers, enter politics. However, there are doubts among his own supporters, convinced that Fonseka is not ready to lead Sri Lanka.
Presidential candidate in 2010, his
arrest came two weeks after the presidential elections, which saw the
triumph of the current President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The
vote was much criticized, and representatives of civil society have denounced
fraud, the excessive deployment of the army and an predictable arrest warrant
for the Gen. Fonseka.
Fr. Maria Anthony, a former provincial superior of the Jesuits at the time in Pakistan,
is among those in favor of a return of Fonseka in politics: "He should run
again, to challenge the current regime, but without sentiments of revenge, respecting
the values of all primary religions
of the country".
According Nimalka
Fernando, human rights activist and lawyer, "the general should return to
politics and ally himself with Ranil Wickramasinghe and Sambandan (leader of
the opposition, ed)." She
then notes that "the pardon 'granted' by President Rajapaksa does not
change the fact that Fonseka was arrested and imprisoned illegally. The General
should establish a case against the president and lead a campaign to restore
the rule of law and the 'independence
of the judiciary. "
Lester
Jansz, Sri Lankan who lives in Qatar is not in favor of a new descent into the political
arena. He
told AsiaNews: "His release is
just a political move. President Rajapaksa knew about the poor health of the
general, and the eventual death in prison Fonseka was the beginning of the end
of his term." Moreover,
he adds, "I do not think that the general can be a good leader for the
country. He is politically immature as it is used to giving orders to the
military, managing a parliament, and opposition, is quite different. But, he
could offer his expertise to solve the problem of crime. Provided that the
current government will allow him. "
Fr. Reid Shelton Fernando, a Catholic priest is also wary. According to the religious, before another run for the presidency he must first prove to be a true leader. "This - he tells AsiaNews - can only happen if he fights corruption, is not vindictive has respect for his opponents, can forgive Tamil rebels still in prison and ward off all enemies, even those who will be in his party. And, above all, if he respects the rights of all ethnic groups and religions in this country. "
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