I will forge ahead on this journey: Gen. Fonseka

(February 02, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) General Sarath Fonseka said yesterday that he would stand by the pledge he had given and would forge ahead on his journey. He was expressing his views addressing a media briefing in Colombo attended by leaders of several political parties that supported him.

“I said that I will forge ahead on this journey in the same manner that I have done so far. That’s what I agreed on earlier. I still stand by that. If a change needs to take place you will have to ask them about it. So far I have not been informed of such a thing,” General Fonseka said.

“What we see today should not be seen in a civilized society. We have witnessed a larger number of post election violence. Bombs were exploded in the North. At some centers people were thrown out," said Karu Jayasuriya, Deputy Leader of the United National Party.

"During the election period there wasn’t much violence, but it began after closing the polls. For the first time in Sri Lanka, politicians and thugs entered district officers. This happened after 1 am. I think the people will arrive at a decision at future elections. But we regret the freedom of expression is being hindered.

"We request the authorities to stop these demeaning acts. People should have the right to practice a religion of their choice and support a political party of their choice. That right has been lost. Don’t suppress the innocent. If you wish to take revenge, take revenge from us, instead of them," he said.

"You can put us in jail, shoot us and even murder us. But the others are innocent people,” said Mr. Jayasuriya.