The three forces commanders boycotted the farewell parade accorded yesterday to the former Army Commander and the Chief of Defence Staff Sarath Fonseka.
Sources told Asian Tribune that the boycott displayed the Forces commanders was the greatest insult shown to the outgoing General Sarath Fonseka, who won the hatred of the rank file of soldiers during his tenure of office as Commander of the Army.
Earlier the formal Farewell Ceremony was accorded yesterday to the outgoing Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka at the Army Headquarters immediately after his official retirement.
The absence of the three forces commanders was conspicuous at the Farwell Parade.
Following the farewell ceremony, General Sarath Fonseka made his final call to the Commander in Chief, President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees.
Later General Fonseka made his final farewell by visiting the War Memorial at the Parliament grounds at Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte and paid his tribute to the fallen war heroes.
Then When asked media persons asked “Are you happy with the farewell?”
He said “That is an important Army practice and salutary tradition. I am one who respects traditions. Traditions should always protected.
He added, “In another hour I will be bidding farewell to my official uniform. Thereafter I can carry on as a civilian. I do not like to talk of politics while in the official uniform."
He also said that he intends to serve the country after his retirement. He said that his final decision will be made within a couple of days.
In his final address General Fonseka emphasized that politics must be kept out of the Army and other Forces.
General Fonseka answering a question whether he is coming to politics?. He said, he is entitled to do what every civilian can after retirement. Hence, give me 24 hours, after which time I will answer. I am still in uniform, he added.
- Asian Tribune -
Comments
SF is only a pawn in Political Chessboard!
Recent news articles showed that even Sarath Fonseka's resignation letter was drafted by Ranil W, Mangala and Mano Ganeshan!.
And Ranil W has openly said that SF is just a ploy to topple the government and win the otherwise unwinnable elections, for him to come to power!
I am not sure how to interpret SFs behaviour. It seems he just fell into a trap by very same people who were against defeating LTTE!.
SF should at least now realize, he made all this for himself, he deserves much more respect than he receives now, and much much more than he is going to receive if he continue this way: if he continue to be a political pawn!
Its sad, but the truth is, those who sleep with dogs have to wake up with ticks!
If he really wants to serve
If he really wants to serve the country, he is entitled as a citizen of SriLanka and can do so for the benefit of the mankind but we don't the way he is going to serve yet. When that is disclosed, we can get to know if he really wants or not.
Zero Commander
I do not understand how some people glorify Sarath Fonseka to the extent as if he is the only honest human being in Sri Lanka. You should dip your antennas to the past of General Fonseka as a Junior Officer to understand that he was not a saint. The specifics need not be discussed right now, but will surface at the most appropriate time. The very fact that he is joining the very people who made his life difficult and slander him itself is a discredit for the General. The very President who gave him the opportunity to serve as the commander of highest office was degraded by Fonseka dabbling in politics. We have still not seen the real Fonseka. What people have seen only the Fonseka hiding in his uniform.
Thank you for the honest
Thank you for the honest service to the country! You did your duty till the last minute!
Well Done Job Sir! Yes the traditions of the army and quality is not to be bought or not to be sold!