Sri Lanka arrests former army commander, presidential challenger

Michael Edwards

Last Updated: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 21:30:00 +1100

Sri Lanka has arrested former army commander and losing presidential candidate General Sarath Fonseka.

The government says he's being detained for breaking military regulations by holding discussions with politicians while serving in the army.

He will reportedly be court-martialed for allegedly planning to overthrow the government.

General Sarath Fonseka was taken into custody by Sri Lankan troops who stormed the offices of the main opposition alliance which had backed his candidacy.

Sri Lanka's opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has condemned the arrest.

"The arrest of presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka is illegal, and undemocratic," he said.

"It is contrary to the military law, contrary to the normal law of the country, it's a violation of the constitution and it's a violation of democracy."

His wife Anoma Fonseka says they have no idea where he is and that she fears for his life.

"They didn't tell me where he now he is or where they've taken him. I know his life is in danger."

She has appealed for help to find General Fonseka.

"He's a normal civilian - be reasonable. I hope I can hear something about him."

"I appeal to everybody, please help me to find him," she said.

Last month, General Fonseka lost the presidential election the incumbent Mahinda Rajapakse.

He rejected the results and has vowed to challenge them in court.

General Fonseka was in charge of Sri Lanka's military when it defeated the Tamil Tigers after a three decade civil war.

Since then, he's fallen out with President Rajapakse, and after the election said he feared assassination or arrest.

General Fonseka has also said he'll testify before international courts about war crimes committed during Sri Lanka's civil war

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