General ‘s arrest is a political revenge no matter what explanations are offered – President finally responsible regardless of who did this

Special communiqué of Religious summit leaders

(Lanka-e-News, Feb.17, 2010, 9.30AM) The religious leaders’ summit in a special communiqué had stated that the arrest of Gen. Fonseka by the Army, the opposition Presidential candidate at the recent Presidential elections is an act of wreaking political revenge on him. No matter what explanations and justification the Govt. might advance, it is very clear it was a calculated concerted effort to exact revenge. The communiqué goes on to say that at a time when the opposition parties are preparing to file an election petition and the general election is around the corner, this action is most unethical, incorrect and a high handed act. Irrespective of who took this decision, the President cannot disclaim responsibility as he is finally answerable.

This communiqué was signed by 20 religious leaders including Ven. Dr. Ithepane Dhammalankara Thero, Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratne Colombo ArchBishop Malcolm Ranjith, former Arch Bishop Oswald Gomes and Duleef De Chickera, the Colombo bishop at the religious summit held on the 12th Friday. The communiqué issued to the media under the signature of Dr. Ven.Ithepana Dhammalankara Thero is as follows …