Fonseka pledges to strengthen Opposition

• Says will never work with President, reiterates need to change political regime, open to discussions with minority parties on LLRC

Setting a tense stage, former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka yesterday said that toppling the Government and creating a new political culture was his aim, ruling out any possibility of working with President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Speaking at the first media conference since his conditional release from jail on 21 May Fonseka was upbeat of his role and insisted that he would work with a common Opposition to defeat the Government.

“There is a corrupt Government and a corrupt political culture so we have to first get rid of the corrupt Government. If we want to benefit from the new political culture I am talking about we will have to topple the Government and then we have to come into power and implement this new political culture. We have to get the support of the people …. (there are) no shortcuts other than the vote of the people no military coups,” he said.

In an extensive address to the media he also categorically ruled out joining the Government or working with President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the latter could not be “trusted”.

Reiterating the need to change what he termed as a “corrupt political culture with a complete breakdown of law and order,” Fonseka nonetheless emphasised that his service would be to “free the people from a suppressive regime”.

Pledging his life to this cause he called on the Opposition to unite and accept a leader that will be picked by the people.

Under the conditions of his release Fonseka cannot contest in an election for seven years, but he insisted that with the people’s support he would be able to overcome this hurdle.

“There were people who said that I would stay in prison for the rest of my life… that I would die in my jumper but that was not the case. I am sure that I will eventually be able to contest again. Even as it is I can form a political party, I can lead a political party and I can get on stage and address a rally.”

He dismissed reports of starting a new political party even though media articles have stated that an application has been filed with the Elections Commissioner.

Responding to questions on his stance regarding the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations Fonseka opined that consultation of minority parties would be considered by him. He insisted that the implementation should promote human rights, reconciliation and accountability. Nonetheless he backed the Government policy of reducing military presence in the north in phases.

In terms of foreign policy he advocated adherence to the non-aligned movement but admitted that close relations with India, the West and China are needed.