16 Reasons

FACTORS AFFECTING MY RETIREMENT FROM THE REGULAR FORCE OF THE ARMY



1. Various agencies misleading Your Excellency by stating a possible coup immediately after the victory over the LTTE which obviously led to a change of command in spite of my request to be in command until the Army celebrated its 60th Anniversary. This fear psychosis of a coup is well known among the defence circle.





2. Appointing an officer pending a disciplinary inquiry who performed duties only as a holding formation commander in the final battle as my successor, disregarding my recommendations to appoint Major General G A Chandrasiri as the Commander of the Army who was the then Chief of Staff and an officer with an exemplary service as the Security Forces Commander in Jaffna for over 3 years. This has already led to a deterioration of the high standards I was capable of introducing to the Army, to my bitter disappointment.





3. Appointing me as the Chief of Defence Staff, though a senior appointment to that of a service commander, with basically no authority, except for mere coordinating responsibilities in a manner which mislead the general public of the country and most members of the Armed Forces. In that the Secretary Defence pushing me to vacate the post of the Commander in just two weeks after the victory and Your Excellency insisting me to hand over duties in less than two months depriving me of my morel obligations in revamping the welfare and providing a sound administration to the men who fought a gallant battle.





4. Further, prior to my appointment I was mislead on the authority vested with the CDS. I was made to understand that the appointment carried more command responsibilities and authority than earlier, but subsequent to my appointment a letter by the Strategic Affairs Adviser to the Secretary Defence indicated that my appointment was purely to coordinate the services and not that of overall command. The letter is attached herewith for Your Excellency’s information. Such actions clearly defines Your Excellency’s and the Governments unwillingness to grant me with command responsibilities which leads to believe in a strong mistrust in me, which is most depressing after all what was performed to achieve war victory.





5. During a subsequent Service Commanders Meeting, the Secretary Defence was bold enough to state an unethical and uncalled statement by mentioning that “if operational control of all three services is granted to the CDS it would be very dangerous”, which indeed was a loss of face to me in the presences of subordinate services commanders.





6. Your Excellency, you too made a statement at the very first security council soon after the 18th of May 09 when the battled was declared over, “that no further recruitment would be necessary” and “a strong public opinion is in the making stating that the Country is in possession of a too powerful army.” It was surprising to hear such a comment from Your Excellency in spite of your repeated praise and boast of the war victory. I personally felt that Your Excellency has commenced mistrusting your own loyal Army which attained the unimaginable victory just a week ago. You again repeated the same statement even after I handed over the command. Over these comments I felt disgusted as we even insulted those who made the supreme sacrifice by such comments.





7. The present Army Commander immediately on assuming duties commenced transferring senior officers who immensely contributed to the war effort during my command tenure including those junior officers working with my wife at the Seva Vanitha Army Branch which was clearly to challenge the loyalty of officers and most discouraging to the officer corps of the Army, with a wrong signal being transmitted on my authority.





8. With a pain of mind it was noted that the same Army which gained victory for the Nation was suspected of staging a coupe and thereby alerting the Government of India once again on the 15th of October 2009, unnecessarily placing the Indian Troops on high alert. This action did tarnish the image and reputation gained by the Sri Lanka Army as a competent and professional organization who was capable of defeating a terrorist group after the Malayan Emergency, in the eyes of the World. This suspicion would have been due to the loyalty of the Sri Lanka Army towards me as its past Commander who led the Army to the historic victory.





9. During my absences from the Country (23 Oct 2009 to 5 Nov 2009) being on overseas leave, the Army Headquarters was bold enough to change the security personnel deployed at the AHQ Main Entrance and the Ministry of Defence emphasizing the withdrawal of the Sinha Regiment troops who were attached to me, as you are aware is my parent regiment and supplementing them with other regimental personnel. The Sinha Regiment troops were good enough to provide security to the Ministry of Defence for 4 years and it is surprising to note how the combat efficiency of the said troops supposed to have dropped overnight as per Secretary Defence’s opinion. Further the Sinha Regiment troops numbering a mere 4, non combatants, deployed for vehicle checking duties at the AHQ Main Entrance, were replaced by 14 armed Armoured Corps personnel, whilst a further two platoons were brought in to prevent the 4 non combat Sinha Regiment personnel performing duties, creating a mockery to the general public including to some foreign missions. This clearly indicates a questionable loyalty of troops good enough for duties for over four years purely due to the fact that the troops were from my Regiment. This also indirectly reflects mistrust on me or an indication that the persons concern wish to keep a tab on my movements and visitors to my HQ/residence which is a clear display of suspicion created on me.





10. Further on instructions of the Secretary Defence, troops from the Gajaba Regiment was brought in to the MOD complex which indicated a divide loyalty within the Army and reasons to believe that the Army now being politicized. This is being encouraged by the Army Commander too who thinks that the Armoured Corp troops should over power Sinha Regiment troops.





11. Instigating malicious and detrimental news items and rumors by interested parties including several senior government politicians which led to identify me as a traitor in spite of my personal contribution of the government to change the history of our country.





12. During my absence from the Country, an acting CDS or an officer to overlook duties was not appointed which indicates that the much spoken appointment of the CDS is unimportant to the Government and the National Security Council. If the appointment was of significant important as stated by most, it should have been imperative to appoint somebody to oversee the duties and thereby I am convinced that I have being granted with an unimportant appointment in spite of all the work done.





13. It is with sadness that I note that the ordinary Army which I toiled to transform into a highly professional outfit is now loosing its way. Increased desertions, lack of enthusiasm to enlist (A drop in enlistment rate by 50% is recorded), disciplinary problems on advocating divided commands indicates an unprofessional organization in the offing. During the last two months the members deserted are higher than the recruitment.





14.The plight of the IDPs is also a point of great concern to me. Thousands of valiant soldiers sacrificed their valuable lives to liberate these unfortunate civilians from the brutality and tyranny of the LTTE in order that they could live in an environment of freedom and democracy. Yet, today many of them are continuing to live in appalling conditions due to the lack of proper planning on the part of the government and the IDPs who have friends and relatives elsewhere in the country must be given the choice to live with them until proper demining has been done in their areas.





15.Your Excellency’s government has yet to win the peace in spite of the fact that the Army under my leadership won the war. There is no clear policy to win the hearts and minds of the Tamil people, which will surely ruin the victory, attained paving the way for yet another uprising in the future.





16. The peace dividend the whole country expected at the conclusion of the war has yet to materialize. The economic hardships faced by the people have increased while waste and corruption have reached endemic proportions; media freedom and other democratic rights continue to be curtailed. The many sacrifices the army made to end the war would not have been in vain, if we can usher in a new era of peace and prosperity to our motherland.

Government has trapped Gen. Fonseka

There are a lot of rumours about what is happening to Gen. Fonseka in the USA.

Gen. Fonseka travels on diplomatic passport. He has to write to Sri Lankan Ambassador in USA to ask about the situation there and safety of travel.

Our Ambassador in the USA who is a cousin of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is believed to have misled the General by saying he had briefed all the authorities in the USA and that it is safe for Gen. Fonseka to travel to the country.

Now Gen. Fonseka has to give evidence against Gotabaya Rajapaksa. This will make the General look like a “traitor” in the eyes of the general public. If he refuses to give evidence he could be held in USA custody for perverting the course of justice. That will mean he will have to be absent from important election campaign work.

So we can say conclusively that the Rajapaksa Family Inc. has sold our great general and also compromised the country's security for the petty political needs to secure election victory.

It is now obvious that the great conspiracy against this country is actually being hatched by the power hungry family and Western colonial powers.

Also interesting is that Gotabaya Rajapaksa himself went to USA just a few weeks ago and came back without any problems.

All Sri Lankans must demand that the government shows it is actually serving this country by immediately demanding release of Gen. Fonseka.

You Ask – We Answer

Some interested parties have launched a vilification program against the People's Fonseka2010 Campaign. To counter this we will give answers to some popular questions.


Are you supporting UNP, JVP or any opposition?

We are supporting Gen. Fonseka to become president as people's candidate. We know JVP and SU also support Gen. Fonseka. But we don't support any opposition. Even some UPFA members and MPs support Gen Fonseka because he is the best person to lead this country.


Are you trying to split UPFA vote so Ranil can become president?

Ranil has only about 10% support in Sri Lanka. If we split 90% by half that is 45% each. There is no way for Ranil to become president ever.


Are you trying to split patriots?

We believe all patriots would support Gen. Fonseka. In fact, millions of people who love this country want to end corruption and family rule. We are all gathering behind Gen. Fonseka as Sri Lankans. We are Sri Lankan first. Party loyalty, language loyalty and religion loyalty are all second.


Are you working for LTTE?

Terrorists like to see this country under developed. They want us to be dependent on Western GSP and aid forever so they can bully us. We want Gen. Fonseka as president to end corruption and develop country. There is only LTTE in the diaspora now. We are their nightmare.


Mahinda Rajpaksa is a good president, so why Gen. Fonseka?

President Rajapaksa has done one good thing for the country. That is giving freedom to Gen. Fonseka to defeat terrorism. Everything else he did like Mihin are all failures. Also, we have 110 Ministers who are not needed in a small country like ours. Then we have Mervyn the vermin who didn't get a single vote from a Sri Lankan. We have family rule and also corruption. Gen. Fonseka said victory in military campaign was due to ending corruption and bad promotions in army. We think he will do same for country.


Will Gen. Fonseka as president be exposed to terrorist attacks?

President Rajapaksa has been well protected by army. Same will be true for President Fonseka. Unless President Rajapaksa has some special deal with the terrorists.


Gen. Fonseka is a national hero, he should stay away from nasty world of politics?

We want best person to lead our country. If we Sri Lankans keep saying someone has to be a crook to be leader of this country then how can we ever develop? How can we end corruption and family rule? We trust Gen. Fonseka is a good Sri Lankan. He will not fall victim to any desires like money.


How is Gen. Fonseka qualified to be President?

Being army commander is not about firing a gun. Gen. Fonseka's leadership changed the army. He ended corruption, he promoted officers by merit and he led by example. We believe Gen. Fonseka would do that same for the country.


If you have more questions please ask in comments section. Thank You.

State television bans songs featuring Gen Fonseka

We, “People's Fonseka2010” are distressed to note that powerful persons have ordered state owned Rupavahini and ITN television channels have been forbidden from broadcasting patriotic songs featuring General Sarath Fonseka.

Over the past two months, there have been no songs showing the Great General. Instead politicians and retired colonels are showed in loops.

We took measures to find out about the hidden agenda.

Several employees of both stations have told us, on condition of anonymity, that “higher” officials have ordered them to stop broadcasting clips showing General Fonseka.

Even interviews with the great General have been forbidden.

Song by Chandrika Siriwardena have also been banned, because they often praise General Fonseka's character.

It is understood that political elements are seeking to character assassinate the General in order to reduce his popularity.

General Fonseka for Nobel Prize

Patriots,

Nobel Peace Prize is the world's most prestigious prize awarded for the 'preservation of peace'.

Every year, in the month of September the Nobel Committee sends out invitation letters to individuals qualified to nominate a person or a group for this honor.

Please join us in contacting many qualified nominators as possible and requesting them to nominate General Fonseka.

You can forward the sample nomination letter provided below as a helpful template to the nominators and encourage them to submit the nomination with a letter along these lines.

===================================================================
Dear Nobel Peace Prize Committee Members,

I would like to nominate General Sarath Fonseka for the next Nobel Peace Prize.

General Sarath has been the architect of the wonderful peace that has dawned upon this ancient land, after thirty terrible years of unremitting war; a war inflicted upon the innocent people of Sri Lanka by the most ruthless and cruel terrorist movement the world has ever seen. What this noble man has accomplished is nothing less than ensuring the safety and welfare, freedom and progress, of all men, women and children of Sri Lanka who have an inalienable right to live in peace and security. Here I speak particularly of the myriad homes where wage-earners strive amid the vicissitudes of human existence to protect spouse and child from harm, provide for their daily needs, and raise a family in the time-honored traditions of great religions and ethical standards that reflect their unique and proud heritage. To give security to these countless homes, they must be shielded from the two giant marauders: terrorism and war. We all know the frightful disturbances in which the ordinary family is plunged when the curse of war swoops down upon the bread-winner and those he struggles to protect and preserve.

The awful ruin of Northern Sri Lanka, with all its vanished glories, and of large parts of Eastern Sri Lanka is daunting to the soul of the most stoic of us. When the designs of wicked men, or the aggressive urge of ruthless terrorist groups, dissolve the fabric of civilized society over large areas, humble folk are confronted with difficulties they cannot fathom, or cope with. For them, all is distorted, all is broken, all ground to pulp. When I stand here at this time of blessed peace, at the end of this terrible war, I shudder at the awful memory of what actually transpired in this hauntingly beautiful resplendent land to millions of its innocent law-abiding citizens. Terrorized each and everyday for past thirty years by these cruel terrorists, their voices silenced at the barrel of a gun, their under-age children conscripted for battle or as human-bombs, all protest stilled by rope, barbed wire, gun, and bomb, their property confiscated, and expelled from their homes to seek refuge among strangers, often in foreign lands as refugees. The magnitude of the pain, horror and mayhem they inflicted in these thirty years upon the innocent people of Sri Lanka is beyond human comprehension.

Ending this anarchy and restoring the inalienable right to life and liberty to all people under the rule of just and fair law, was the supreme task and duty undertaken by these three brave champions of peace. Past leaders of Sri Lanka, though well meaning, did not take their duty to protect and serve the people of Sri Lanka seriously enough to risk paying the price of securing it. In placing political expediency above the lives and welfare of all of their people, and heeding the flawed advice of global naysayers with agendas not fully aligned with the interests of the people of Lanka, they allowed a terrorist movement to grow and usurp without consent the traditional liberties of the people. What distingushes these three leaders from those who preceded them, was their compassionate conviction that the lives and safety of their citizens matters more than any other consideration, particularly the interests of any ruling elite. To them what was at stake was not the survival of the leaders, but the survival of the common people.

Following in the footsteps of that most compassionate of men, President Abraham Lincoln, vilified in his own time for pursuing the US Civil war with utmost vigor to bring it to a successful close in four short years, General Sarath Fonseka launched a Humanitarian Operation with equal determination to liberate the enslaved people of North and East, and deliver all people of Sri Lanka from clutches of terrorism. He was dedicated to eradicating by leaf, branch, trunk and root every vestige of the violence and arbitrary exercise of power that the terrorists had unleashed, to reunifying the nation, and to restoring to all its people the protection of the fair and just laws of our democratic form of government. His humanitarian compassion for the plight of their people rescued Sri Lanka from descending into the lawless abyss that grips Somalia today.

In undertaking this sacred duty to his nation, his people, the cause of justice for all, and to humanity itself, they confronted many obstacles: humanitarian, political, military, economic, and assassination by the terrorists, on any day, at any time. He confronted the political machinations of a global terrorist and criminal network become wealthy enough through criminal activities to purchase the support of news media and of politicians in foreign governments, to hire batteries of lawyers to bring our great leader to court under various spurious charges, and browbeat him into foregoing the duty entrusted to him by his hapless people. He confronted an international phalanx of political scientists and military experts making pontifical pronouncements that terrorism cannot be defeated except through compromise that would abdicate the very rights and liberties we treasure as a free people, under the threat of continued terrorist violence. This great leader, driven by his compassion for his people, understanding deeply the facts on the ground and the false allegations at work internationally against him, girded their loins to confront these obstacles head-on, in all of their manifestations, thus saving lives and avoiding extending the debilitating conflict further. Today, as a result of his yeoman efforts, Sri Lanka stands poised on the threshold of a glorious future for all of its people, irrespective of community.

The tireless work of General Fonseka to forge this victory not only benefited all Sri Lankan people, but it benefited all peace- and freedom-loving people and nations the world over, by laying to rest the flawed notion that democracies cannot successfully confront and defeat militant terrorism in their midst, militarily if necessary. Had the terrorists succeeded in their attempt to avoid defeat in Sri Lanka, it would have driven another nail in the collective coffin of democracies the world over; democracies fighting existential struggles against terrorists who exploit the very liberties afforded by the democratic form of government to undermine and demoralize them through false international propaganda and devious artifice, based not in reality, but in internationally broadcast falsehoods, false premises and insidious blackmail.

Furthermore, in adopting a humanitarian approach to the conflict, General Fonseka showed the world that it is possible to fight and defeat terrorist movements in a compassionate way, that preserves and protects the lives of all non-combatants, while dealing firmly with the transgressors. In no other country in the world, in recent memory, has a government fed and provided all necessities for its citizens living in areas occupied by the enemy for three long decades, disregarding the use of those supplies by the enemy. In no other country has a government fighting a diabolically ferocious enemy, curtailed and limited its military operations, and the use of more effective offensive weapons, to save civilian lives, and successfully rescued hundreds of thousands of civilians held as human shields, and kindly cared for them after rescue.

In the final analysis, General Fonseka bestowed a real, tangible peace upon the twenty two million people of Sri Lanka, allowing them to again reach for the glorious future that beckoned them at the dawn of independence in 1948. Sovereign Sri Lanka that shone as a model for emerging nations before this unhappy war, can now resume its march towards that national goal ... thanks to the vision, compassion and courage of General Fonseka. I therefore urge you, the Members of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, to recognize the humanitarian contributions of General Fonseka to the welfare of all people of Sri Lanka in delivering to them a durable peace, and in rekindling hope in the hearts of people all over the world that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall long endure, by selecting General Sarath Fonseka of Sri Lanka for the award of the Nobel Peace Prize.


Thank you.


Sincerely,


Name and Signature

This is how I managed the war -Gen. Fonseka

The Sri Lanka Army’s strategy of acting like guerrilla organisation, the restructuring of the Army, ending corruption, increasing its strength, firepower and a direct chain of command that went from the top to grass root levels, forced the end of terrorism in the country.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Sarath Fonseka, in his first public appearance nearly three months after the elimination of terrorism in the country, made these comments at ‘Counter Point,’ organised by the PIM Alumni on Friday.

Speaking on ‘Winning Military Strategies – Lessons for Managers,’ General Fonseka said that when he took over the Army, the LTTE was acting almost like a conventional army and was considered to be unstoppable. Like a conventional army, they had to protect land, equipment and armaments.

“From our side, we changed our tactics and strategies. We started act ing like guerrillas, making incursions into their territories in small groups and carrying out daring attacks when the LTTE challenged us in the jungles,” General Fonseka said.

General Fonseka was speaking on how he prepared the Army to fight the Elam War Four. He said that when he was appointed Commander of the Army on 6th December 2005, the organisation was in need of lot of changes, including enhanced manpower, excellent training and better equipment.

“Thiry years of war had caused a lot of frustration to the people, who had lost their faith in the Army and their confidence that the violence could ever be contained. The war was started in August 2006 in Jaffna.

“My first task was to prepare the Army for battle. For that, I restructured the entire Army deviating from traditional methods. I appointed new people, new faces of my choice to the battlefront, people untainted with corruption, people capable of carrying their duties effectively.

“I dramatically increased the manpower of the Army with recruitment.

“My strategy also included the procurement of arms and ammunition, battle tanks, armoured carriers, the best equipment could buy. I also changed the strategy of the battle from conventional tactics to guerrilla tactics. For that, I needed excellent commanders and improved firepower.

“We started operating in small groups and actively operated in the jungles. Earlier, it was the LTTE who operated in the jungles. When we moved into the jungles, they avoided meeting us at all costs,” he said.

The General said that during the war, the Army’s main strategy was to confront the LTTE’s strongest positions.

“During the Jayasikuru operation launched to liberate Wanni, I observed through experience that when we attacked the LTTE’s most formidable strongholds, they became very weak. With that in mind, we commenced our assault from the A9 road, the Maddu road, Mannar and the Mulativu jungles.

“Sometimes it took us four to five days just to take control of one or two kilometres. But the results were good for us. We minimised our casualties and increased the losses of the enemy.

“At the end of 2007, we were operating 35 battalions on all fronts and the LTTE had to react to our plan. We were engaging them every day, 24 hours a day, weeks and months on end. We maintained our assault in all conditions. In pouring rain and floods, in the hot sun and drought, we kept the momentum going until we achieved victory,” General Fonseka said

Restructuring the Army made it necessary to stamp out corruption at all levels, corruption which was rampant from the lowest to the highest ranks.

“Because of corruption at every level, we were not doing what we were asked to do. I made it clear that not five cents will be spent by the Army without proper accounting. To that end, I implemented strict rules and standards.
I sat on Tender Boards and was personally monitoring every detail. This was not a function of the Commander of the Army, but I personally went through every detail to ensure that the blight of corruption was eradicated from the Army.

General Fonseka also said that in the past, there was a tradition that when an officer is caught making money illegally, he would not suffer any punishment, his service and seniority would not be affected, and his next promotion assured, as long as he paid back the stolen money in full. “I ended this tradition. The guilty received appropriate punishment.”

Speaking on new recruitments and promotions in the organisation, the General said that he deviated from traditional methods of awarding promotions and selected all commanders on merit and performance, and not on seniority.

“We recruited and trained 3,000 to 5,000 men per month. We also promoted 1,500 soldiers from the ranks of corporals and sergeants to lieutenants. We achieved excellent results through these methods, as we made the best use of those with strong battle experience. My new methods of recruitment and merit-based promotions gave me the manpower to win the war, ‘ he daid

I also implemented a direct chain of command which goes down to grass root levels in the Army. There were many instances when I had to remove commanders from their jobs and appoint replacements. We had to have the correct men in place when the going got tough. And there was huge resistance from the enemy every day.

At one point, we suffered many casualties and 130 troops died in a single day. Whenever there was a victory, I used to share that with my officers and when there was rise in casualties figures I took the blame to my self without passing to anyone. In that sense I my self was under pressure all the times but kept the momentum going” General Fonseka said

Speaking on Army intelligence and its performance the General Fonseka said that inteligence was back word in the past.

“I removed almost all the officers attached to it. I found that most of them has been serving that unit more that 15 to 20 years and filled with new young faces. They were brand new set of people committed, sincerely did their part, a very good job. If you take most of the Air Force targets, Navy ships targets are taken on Army intelligence unit.

Speaking on the support given by the other forces General said that Air Force, Navy and Police did splendid service with Army to gain the victory in war. The coordinated efforts and close monitoring of the battle changing of the tactics became as a daily routine.

“End of the day we had difficult time patience endurance demonstrating good results in eliminating terrorism from the country which one point considered unimaginable concluded General Sarath Fonseka.

At the conclusion of General Fonseka’s remarks the audience at the ceremony gave him standing ovation.

-Dailymirror-

Emails are not from me – General Fonseka

General Sarath Fonseka has denied that emails published by popular websites had originated from him.

On Saturday President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brothers had called the General to the Sinha Regiment Headquarters in Ambepussa to inquire about the emails.

Sources say that the family ran administration was jittery about the prospects of the popular General entering the presidential race.

However, General Fonseka had reassured the brothers that the emails had not originated from him.

The General had also said that he has not yet decided to compete in the presidential elections.

Though the emails might have been 'fakes', “People's Fonseka2010” campaign will continue to strive to make General Fonseka the President of Sri Lanka in 2010, for the sake of our future generations.

Gen. Fonseka takes new initiative on counselling

General Sarath Fonseka has ordered the National Cadet Corps (NCC) to launch a basic guiding and counselling programme 'Wiru Saviya', for troops and Police personnel.

The guiding and counselling programme was initiated on 21st..

Major General Gamini Jayasundara RWP, RSP, who was appointed as Director of NCC, was optimistic that the programme would provide officer under trainees (OUTs) with necessary competency in dealing with related issues in and off the field.

According to NCC sources, the 1st Batch of OUTs consisting of 10 Army officers, 6 Naval officers, 8 Air-force officers, 7 Policemen are scheduled to undergo a one month residence training on counseling guidance at the training institute.

Land redistribution is essential – Fonseka2010

We, “People's Fonseka2010” campaign team, believe that the government should take a serious look at land redistribution to better promote equality in the country.

From the 50s onwards there were many land redistribution schemes designed to give native land to native people so that they can live in prosperity.

Many thousand families were settled in prime farmland and around coastal areas to make living from farming a fishing.

The assent of terrorism, however, put an end to all the efforts to give land and livelihood to people in poverty.

Now that terrorism has been defeated, it is the responsibility of the government re-start land redistribution programmes.

The Wanni should be first. There are only 300, 000 Tamil speaking Sri Lankans who will return to the region. As we know, they can all live in a single town. Perhaps even in Kilinochiya.

That leaves many hundred square kilo meters of land to waste when there are many landless families in the South.

We believe that by electing General Sarath Fonseka to be president we can help redistribute land to poor families, especially those of valiant soldiers who gave their lives to the unity and integrity of the motherland.

Terrorists fail again – Suicide jackets found

Police in Vavuniya found four powerful suicide jackets hidden in a cemetery, just a day after General Sarath Fonseka visited the region.

Four jackets, each weighting between two and four kilos, were unearthed from the Nelunkulam Cemetery in Vavuniya.

On the previous day, General Sarath Fonseka had visited the nearby Wanni Central Command to meet with troops.

Sources say that when police, air force and army personal heard that their beloved General would be visiting, security was automatically tightened.

Because of the actions of the valiant forces, terrorists could not carry out their multiple suicide attacks as planned. So, they had buried the jackets in a nearby cemetery and escaped from the area.

However, alert police officers had continued to search the region with much more vigour after hearing General Fonseka's arousing speech.

Dedication of the police force and motivation given by General Fonseka have helped find the jackets before they were used for other terrorist purposes.

Fonseka2010 writes to MoD Website

RE: Continued censoring to General Sarath Fonseka

Dear Administrators,

The website of the MoD was established by General Sarath Fonseka to defeat the well oiled propaganda machine of the Tiger terrorists and their overseas supporters.

For three years, as the General led his troops to victory in the jungles of Wanni, spilling blood and sweat, the MoD website, Defence.lk, provided much needed encouragement to troops and patriots around the world. It also gave accurate and timely updates of ground situation to the international community. Defence.lk was as important in winning the propaganda war as our troops were in winning the ground one.

However, lately, you have become the personal website of the President and and his family.


There are many events involving General Fosneka that have not been mentioned in the Defence website that was actually set-up by the General.

You did not report

• General's visit to Mahanayake of The Asgiriya Chapter on 17 August,
• People of Jaffna thanking the General on 19 August,
• General's visit to Vavuniya on 20 August and
• General's speech at management seminar on 20 August.

We see this as a systematic campaign to censor news involving the good works of General Sarath Fonseka. Missing one event is an oversight, but continued denial of even the existence of the greatest military mind in the world points to sinister motives.

We hope that you will take this issue seriously.

We expect the MoD website to inform all Sri Lankans of all good work done by General Sarath Fonseka, who freed our motherland from the scourge of terrorism.

Sincerely,
“People's Fonseka2010” Campaign Team

More troops needed in liberated areas – Gen. Fonseka

Speaking at a function in Colombo, General Fonseka warned that many more troops are required to keep northern Sri Lanka free from terrorism.

General Fonseka was the chief guest at a a management faculty conference held in Colombo on Friday night.

Speaking at the event, the General said that the current number of troops in the army were only enough to maintain security in areas that were under government control in 2008.

In the past year, General Fonseka has totally crushed terrorism from Sri Lanka, much to the surprise of many Western and Indian “military experts” who always said terrorism could not be defeated.

Earlier, General Fonseka had disclosed plans to expand the army by 100, 000 more men and women.

Again, on Friday, the General said many more troops will be needed to keep entire northern region free from terrorism.

He noted that even though not many people live in Wanni, it is a large swath of land that offers ideal hiding place for terrorists.

Others at the conference noted that Sri Lanka's economy will not lose out by expanding the army, as many pseudo economists claim.

They said most money will be paid to troops as salary and will re-enter local economy. Since we are not fighting a full war, not much money will be wasted on buying weapons from other countries.

General Fonseka oversees security in Vavuniya

On Friday, General Fonseka visited his troops in Vavuniya and discussed prevailing security situation with them.

The General met with troops from the 21, 56 and 61 Divisions of the army that plaid vital role in the South Wanni sector during the war on terrorism.

Lots of Air Force and Police personal attached to units in the area had also flocked the Wanni Army HQ on hearing that their beloved General was in the area.

Commander of Wanni Major General Kamal Gunarathne received General Fonseka. Maj. Gen. Gunarathne is a highly accomplished officer who was promoted during the General's tenure as Commander of the Army.

Many highly accomplished officers who would have otherwise been ignored were promoted by General Fonseka, who always gave positions on merit, unlike others who promoted their brothers, uncles or other kins.

General Fonseka, a highly disciplined but humble man, met with most of the members of the armed forces present there.

He had candid conversations with the troops, talking of their personal feelings about the security situation as well as the welfare of all valiant soldiers and their families.

Suspect dies in custody, foul play alleged

An army Corporal, who was under custody in relation to an aborted assassination attempt on General Fonseka, has died under mysterious circumstances.

Corporal Hanifa worked in the kitchen at the Army Headquarters in Colombo.

He is suspected of having facilitated the female suicide terrorist who tried to assassinate the General in April 2006.

Last Sunday (16th) Hanifa was found hanging in his cell toilet at the Terrorism Investigation Unit.

“People's Fonseka2010” campaign team is concerned that such a high value suspect was not held under stricter security.

Meanwhile, when asked about the incident, Police Spokesman, SSP Ranjith Gunasekera, said that he had no detailed report on the incident. The spokesman further disclosed that the suspect had hung himself in the toilet, using his own shirt.

At the time it was suspected that senior figures in the defence establishment in Colombo may have aided the terrorists for money or to remove General Fonseka who was totally opposed to corruption and other problems that had plagued the security apparatus.

Army must stick to Gen. Fonseka's plans

We at Fonseka2010 campaign are shocked to read plans by newly appointed army commander Jagath Jayasuriya to scale back expansion of the army and to release IDPs at an earlier date than planned.

Only last Monday, General Fonseka had promised Sri Lankans in the North that temporary army camps will be made permanent and that IDPs will not be released until all terrorists hiding amongst them are successfully filtered.

Earlier, General Fonseka had promised to expand the army by an additional 100, 000 men and women.

Jayasuriya, meanwhile, has said he has plans for extension by only 20, 000 personal. He has also divulged plans to allow IDPs to return home in about a year, much earlier than the planned three years that it would take to successfully weed out terrorists.

“People's Fonseka2010” campaign has a manifesto obligation to, “Security: Increase Army's strength to 300, 000 and overall military strength to 500, 000 men and women; consolidate the armed forces into a Sri Lanka Defence Force structure, thereby blurring the lines between the various forces.”

General Fonseka led our valiant troops in the mission to successfully eradicate terrorism from our motherland. Today he is hailed as the greatest General in the world.

We believe that all military decisions and decisions regarding nationals security must be taken by General Fonseka and not junior level commanders like Jayasuriya.

Conspiracy to curtail General Fonseka’s powers

A conspiracy has been launched to slash powers vested with the Chief of Defence Staff post, which is currently held by General Sarath Fonseka.

Staff and security allocated to General Fonseka have already been reduced and the powers and facilities he had been promised when he was appointed to the position have not been given as well.

The official gazette announcing the position and its powers has not been published yet.

The main reason for the conspiracy against General Fonseka is said to be his stand against fraud and corruption. He has been very strict against fraud and corruption and has taken drastic action against such acts.

Having such a person in the position of ‘Chief of Staff’ has been considered a hindrance by certain officers and politicians who are bent on fraud and corruption.

When authorities had wanted to resettle the IDPs in areas before land mines were cleared General Fonseka had objected to such a move. He was of the view that security in the areas should be strengthened before the IDPs are resettled. However, there is a move to resettle the IDPs without any proper plan.

Sri Lankans in Jaffna thank General Fonseka

Large crowds of Sri Lankans who attended the Nalur Kowil (temple) ceremony in Jaffna have thanked General Fonseka for lifting the curfew.

Last Saturday General Fonseka visited the peninsula and ordered his men there to lift the curfew.

The General who guided troops to rescue more than 300, 000 Sri Lankans held captive by the most brutal terrorists is equally concerned about the welfare of all Sri Lankans, regardless of ethnic group.

On Wednesday the Nalur Kowil hosted the biggest festival the North has seen in many decades since terrorism took hold of the region.

Many Sri Lankans who attended the festival wanted to personally thank General Fonseka for his proactive measures to help the people in Jaffna.

Please support the Say "No" to Power Devolution-No2powerdevSL Campaign

Patriots,

Some like minded Sri Lankans have launched a campaign that Says "No" to Power Devolution in our mother land.

You will know that "Integrity: No to 13th Amendment or any recognition of ethnic enclaves." is the first point in the People's Fonseka2010 campaign manifesto.

Our brave hearts fought and died to maintain the territorial integrity of mother Lanka.

Let's not allow politicians to sell the integrity, by allowing ethnic enclaves, for a few million dollars.

Please support the campaign:

Blog: notopowerdevolution.blogspot.com
Follow: twitter.com/No2powerdevSL
Join: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108915355030

General Fonseka assures permanent security for North

Honourable General Sarath Fonseka started the week on Monday by calling on the Mahanayake of The Asgiriya Chapter , the Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera in Kandy.


At the event, Gen. Fonseka reassured Sri Lankans in the North of the country, that he has taken full responsibility to strengthen the region's security.


He said:

• A plan is under way to build permanent military camps in place of the existing temporary camps.
• Security will not be decreased despite the prevailing atmosphere of peace in the area.
• Terrorists are still being tracked down by the Security Forces.
• Many of the hardcore terrorists are among them.
• Resettlement of the IDP's should be well planned.
• IDPs should not be allowed to join hands with the terrorists again.
• A terrorist leader , KP , is now disclosing many secrets of the organization.
• KP who formed an international network to support the LTTE commanded high recognition in the western world.

Five Points Manifesto – Draft

Patriots,
Here is a working draft of a five points manifesto for the Fonseka2010 campaign.

1. Integrity: No to 13th Amendment or any recognition of ethnic enclaves.
2. Security: Increase Army's strength to 300, 000 and overall military strength to 500, 000 men and women; consolidate the armed forces into a Sri Lanka Defence Force structure, thereby blurring the lines between the various forces.
3. Prosperity: Facilitate an agricultural revolution by empowering small scale farmers and by providing state logistical support get their produce to market.
4. Efficiency: Reduce parliamentary spending by 70% by decreasing number of Ministers to 36 and parliamentarians to 150.
5. Participatory: Allow greater voice for the common man in the day to day running of the country; no to consolidating power within select individuals of privileged family(ies).
   

This is a grass roots revolution. Essentially, Sri Lanka's success is in our hands. We “the people” should shape our mother land's future. For that, we will have to work hard. We, ordinary folks, will have to work as hard as our valiant forces did in defeating the terrorism that plundered mother Lanka for 30 years.

We “the people” must begin with shaping the manifesto. Please give the campaign your feedbacks and suggestion.

United We Will Vote.

Fonseka2010 – Call of Duty

Patriots,

When mother Lanka was in grave danger from internal terror, one man took up the challenge of leading our forces to victory.

Now, our mother land is once again in danger. This time from external terror in the form of India and West attempting to impose their own "solutions" on all our people, Tamils, Sinhalese and Muslims.

Let's HOPE that the same man, the greatest General in the world, will hear this call to duty.

Let's BELIEVE that he will lead our nation to victory from 2010.

Let's all say YES HE CAN!

Fonseka2010 - Realising the Dream of United and Prosperous Sri Lanka

Patriots,

General Fonseka is a gift to our nation.

He is the man who will lead our mother land to its yet unfulfilled glory.

General Foseka should not contest under the banner of any existing political party.

With our support, he can contest under his own banner of national pride and unity.

If all patriots unite in the Fonseka 2010 campaign, then there will be no divisions.

We need a selfless man, who is free from all earthly desires, to lead our nation into its promised glory.

Please contribute.

Join Us on Facebook

Patriots,

The people's campaign is now on Facebook, the social networking site.

You can join us:
http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=fonseka+twentyten

Follow Us on Twitter

Patriots,

The campaign to get Gen. Fonseka elected as President of Sri Lanka in 2010 is now available on Twitter, the micro-blogging website.

You can follow us - twitter.com/fonseka2010

General G . S . C. Fonseka RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc

Lieutenant General G . S. C. Fonseka RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc was appointed as the Commander of the Army effective from 6th December 2005 and later promoted to the rank of General on 18th May 2009.

Widely admired as one of the greatest battle-hardened warriors of our time, General G. S. C Fonseka has served largely as an illustrious infantry soldier in the northern theatre of war during his exemplary career, particularly at the peak of the LTTE terrorism.

To his credit, when the Jaffna Fort was under siege for a long period, then Colonel G. S. C Fonseka led troops in the famous 'Midnight Express operation', to rescue troops.

His enormous contribution as Deputy General Officer Commanding to conduct operation, 'Riviresa' to evict terrorists and capture Jaffna town in December 1995 continues to remain a living memory because of the dynamic leadership he jointly imparted to his fellow-soldiers, and his meticulously planned tactical knowledge of the warfare, he has possessed. In the same vein, troops commanded by Gen Fonseka offered stiff resistance to LTTE terrorists during operation 'unceasing waves' in 2000, and further consolidated the security network to Jaffna during his four-month stint as Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna .

General Fonseka, as a fearless infantryman was at the forefront in operations, 'Balawegaya' and 'Jayasikuru,' that led to rescue the Elephant Pass and capture Mankulam. It was none other than the 6th Battalion of his Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment that was under siege at Elephant Pass in 1991 and reinforcements in a meticulously devised operation successfully repulsed the LTTE attack.

General Fonseka, distinguished himself by his dauntless bravery and excellent command in warfare as well as for his common touch with his troops, sustained injuries during the operation 'Yaldevi' following terrorist attacks. Jaffna, finally became his second home during May 2002-November 2003 after he was again appointed the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna.

His awards and decorations include the Gallantry Medals, Rana Wickrema Padakkama (RWP), Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP), Vishishta Seva Vibhushana (VSV). Utthama Seva Padakkama (USP), Riviresa Campaign Service Medal, Poorna Bhoomi medal, North & East Operations Medal, Desha Puthra Sammanaya and several others.

Over and above the command appointments, he has held a large number of various staff appointments including the Chief of Staff office in the Army, the post he relinquished to take reins as Commander of the Army.

His exciting career opportunities covered almost every sphere of military experience. He served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Army (01 July 2004 - 09 December 2004), Director General Infantry, Army Headquarters and later on commanded the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force between 23 November 2003 and 15 August 2004. In recognition of his fearless leadership, he was twice appointed the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna (21 April- 21 July 2000) and (05 May 2002 to 23 November 2003).

He was also the Commandant, Army Command and Staff College at Battalanda during a very brief period. (05 February-05 May 2002). After his first tenure of office as the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna, he assumed duties as the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni on 21 July 2000 and remained there until 12 December, the same year. Despite his busy schedules, Gen Sarath Fonseka simultaneously overlooked the offices of Inspector of Infantry, Quarter Master General, Director General General Staff, Army Headquarters for a short period in 2000. He was the General Officer Commanding in 22 Division, Trincomalee between 10 November 1998 and 15 January 2000.

On being promoted to the two-star rank of Major General on 23 February 1998, Major General Sarath Fonseka became the Colonel of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment on 01 February 2002. Major Gen Fonseka served as Officiating General Officer Commanding 55 Division, Mirusuvil, Officiating General Officer Commanding , Task Force 2 in Vavuniya, Deputy General Officer Commanding - Task Force 2 in Vavuniya, Commander, 23 Brigade Pollonnaruwa, Deputy General Officer Commanding, 51 Division, Jaffna, Coordinating Officer for Kayts and Mandativu, Commander , 27 Brigade Kilinochchi, Commander, 3 Brigade Batticaloa, Coordinating Officer Election and Security for North and East, Deputy Commander Task Force 1 and Commander Designate Mechanized Brigade, Officiating Commander 21 Brigade, Director Operations after his promotion to the rank of Brigadier on 01 December 1993.

As a Colonel, General Sarath Fonseka commanded the 23 Brigade Polonnaruwa in 1993. Among other appointments, he held included Colonel General Staff Army Headquarters, Centre Commandant, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, Deputy Commandant - 5 Brigade Group, Mannar, Brigade Commander Operation Balavegaya and Coordinating Officer for Gampaha.

As a Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded the 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment before he assumed the office of General Staff Officer 1 (Operations), HQ 2 Division, Anuradhapura, Officer Commanding/Chief Instructor and Deputy Commandant, Infantry Training Centre, Minneriya.

Enlisted to the Army on 05th February 1970, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and subsequently posted to the 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment on 01st June 1971. He has followed the UK-based course offered by Royal College of Defence Studies, Infantry Officers Advanced Course (USA), Staff College Course (Bangladesh), Company Commanders Course (Pakistan), Battalion Support Weapons Course (India), Counter Insurgency Jungle Warfare Course (India), Commando Officers Course (India) and has represented Sri Lanka in a number of international seminars and conferences, including the Pacific Armies Management Seminar (Japan), Conference on fourth International Exhibition of Defence (UK) and another overseas seminar in Geneva. In what was seen a recognition of his military maturity, he was selected to undertake an inspection assignment in Iran in 1992.

General Fonseka, a product of Ambalangoda Dharmasoka College (1958-1965) and Ananda College, Colombo (1966-1969) is a keen sportsman who has excelled in swimming and water polo representing defence services and the country. General Fonseka, married to Mrs Anoma Fonseka has two daughters, Apsara and Aparna.

General Fonseka who through his dedication, commitment and untiring military prowess succeeded in bringing the 30-year old War for Separation to an end was promoted to the rank of General on 18th May 2009, the day, he along with Secretary Defence and other service chiefs officially conveyed His Excellency the President of the final completion of the war.

From the website of the Ministry of Defence