His Excellency the President
Through the Secretary, Ministry of Defence,
Public Security, Law and Order
Presidential Secretariat
COLOMBO
12 November 2009
Your Excellency
REQUEST TO RETIRE FROM THE REGULAR FORCE OF THE SRI LANKA ARMY
---------------------------------------------------
1. I, General G S C Fonseka RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc presently serving as
the Chief of Defence Staff, was enlisted to the Ceylon Army on 05th Feb 1970
and was commissioned on the 01st June 1971. On the 6th Dec 2005 due to the
trust and confident placed on me, Your Excellency was kind enough to promote
me to the rank of Lieutenant General and appoint me as the Commander of the
Sri Lanka Army in an era when the Country was embroiled with the menace of a
bloody terrorism and was in a stalemate state after having toiled for a
solution politically or otherwise for over 25 years without a success.
2. During my command of 3 years and 7 months, the Sri Lanka Army managed to
eradicate the terrorist movement having apprehended an unbelievable stock of
arms and munitions and decisively defeating the LTTE and its murderous
leadership. which Your Excellency is obviously aware of. I would not be
exaggerating to state that I was instrumental in leading the Army to this
historic victory, of course with Your Excellency's political support, which
helped to materialize this heroic action. Though the field commanders, men
and all members of the Army worked towards this common goal, it is with my
vision, command and leadership that this yeomen task was achieved.
3. I do appreciate the fact that the Country and Your Excellency did
recognize my services which led to me being promoted to the first ever
serving four star general to command the Army, nevertheless the courses of
action which initiated subsequently greatly depressed me which I have
enumerated in the Annex hereto.
4. Considering the facts mentioned in the Annex and more, which I am privy
to withhold, I am compelled to believe that Your Excellency and the
Government has lost your trust and faith bestowed upon me for reasons best
known to Your Excellency. Hence as the senior most serving military officer
in the Country with 40 years of service, such a situation does not warrant a
continuation of my duties any longer, thereby I have the honour to request
that I be permitted to terminate my services and retire from the Regular
Force of the Army with effect from 01st December 2009.
5. Furthermore I have the honour to request that on retirement Your
Excellency would be kind enough to grant me sufficient security which
includes trained combat soldiers, a suitable vehicle with sufficient
protection (Bullet proof) and escort vehicles for my conveyances due to the
fact that I am considered as one of the highest priority targets by the
LTTE, which they are yet capable of achieving. Also, I wish to bring to Your
Excellency's kind notice that over 100 men, six escort vehicles and a bullet
proof vehicle have been placed at the convenience of the former Commander of
the Navy, Admiral WKJ Karannagoda. I presume that such arrangements would be
made available to me, considering the threat factor I am facing, which Your
Excellency is well aware of.
6. I would also wish to quote an example in the case of the former Indian
Chief of Army Staff General A S Vadiya, instrumental in leading the Indian
Army in Operation Blue Star against the Sheiks at the Golden Temple,
Amristar in 1984, was assassinated whilst on retirement in 1986 purely in
revenge of his victories achieved. I do not wish to experience a similar
incident as I have already sustained serious injuries after the attempt on
my life by a suicide cadre of the LTTE. Thereby, I am compelled to entrust
you with my security which is requested for life.
7. Furthermore, I would like to emphasis on a statement made by me during my
tenure as the Commander of the Army. In that, I mentioned my dislike to be
in command forever and also I would ensure that my successor would not be
burden with the task of war fighting, which I abided with. Hence, as I have
already overstayed my retirement date by 4 years, I wish to proceed on
retirement without further delays.
8. Forwarded for Your Excellency's kind consideration please.
I have the honour to be
Your Excellency's
Obedient Servant
G S C FONSEKA RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc
General
Chief of Defence Staff
CONFIDENTIAL
Annex A
12 November 2009
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.
I receive this from an e-mail who is in contact with written medias
not sure whether its true or not
Through the Secretary, Ministry of Defence,
Public Security, Law and Order
Presidential Secretariat
COLOMBO
12 November 2009
Your Excellency
REQUEST TO RETIRE FROM THE REGULAR FORCE OF THE SRI LANKA ARMY
---------------------------------------------------
1. I, General G S C Fonseka RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc presently serving as
the Chief of Defence Staff, was enlisted to the Ceylon Army on 05th Feb 1970
and was commissioned on the 01st June 1971. On the 6th Dec 2005 due to the
trust and confident placed on me, Your Excellency was kind enough to promote
me to the rank of Lieutenant General and appoint me as the Commander of the
Sri Lanka Army in an era when the Country was embroiled with the menace of a
bloody terrorism and was in a stalemate state after having toiled for a
solution politically or otherwise for over 25 years without a success.
2. During my command of 3 years and 7 months, the Sri Lanka Army managed to
eradicate the terrorist movement having apprehended an unbelievable stock of
arms and munitions and decisively defeating the LTTE and its murderous
leadership. which Your Excellency is obviously aware of. I would not be
exaggerating to state that I was instrumental in leading the Army to this
historic victory, of course with Your Excellency's political support, which
helped to materialize this heroic action. Though the field commanders, men
and all members of the Army worked towards this common goal, it is with my
vision, command and leadership that this yeomen task was achieved.
3. I do appreciate the fact that the Country and Your Excellency did
recognize my services which led to me being promoted to the first ever
serving four star general to command the Army, nevertheless the courses of
action which initiated subsequently greatly depressed me which I have
enumerated in the Annex hereto.
4. Considering the facts mentioned in the Annex and more, which I am privy
to withhold, I am compelled to believe that Your Excellency and the
Government has lost your trust and faith bestowed upon me for reasons best
known to Your Excellency. Hence as the senior most serving military officer
in the Country with 40 years of service, such a situation does not warrant a
continuation of my duties any longer, thereby I have the honour to request
that I be permitted to terminate my services and retire from the Regular
Force of the Army with effect from 01st December 2009.
5. Furthermore I have the honour to request that on retirement Your
Excellency would be kind enough to grant me sufficient security which
includes trained combat soldiers, a suitable vehicle with sufficient
protection (Bullet proof) and escort vehicles for my conveyances due to the
fact that I am considered as one of the highest priority targets by the
LTTE, which they are yet capable of achieving. Also, I wish to bring to Your
Excellency's kind notice that over 100 men, six escort vehicles and a bullet
proof vehicle have been placed at the convenience of the former Commander of
the Navy, Admiral WKJ Karannagoda. I presume that such arrangements would be
made available to me, considering the threat factor I am facing, which Your
Excellency is well aware of.
6. I would also wish to quote an example in the case of the former Indian
Chief of Army Staff General A S Vadiya, instrumental in leading the Indian
Army in Operation Blue Star against the Sheiks at the Golden Temple,
Amristar in 1984, was assassinated whilst on retirement in 1986 purely in
revenge of his victories achieved. I do not wish to experience a similar
incident as I have already sustained serious injuries after the attempt on
my life by a suicide cadre of the LTTE. Thereby, I am compelled to entrust
you with my security which is requested for life.
7. Furthermore, I would like to emphasis on a statement made by me during my
tenure as the Commander of the Army. In that, I mentioned my dislike to be
in command forever and also I would ensure that my successor would not be
burden with the task of war fighting, which I abided with. Hence, as I have
already overstayed my retirement date by 4 years, I wish to proceed on
retirement without further delays.
8. Forwarded for Your Excellency's kind consideration please.
I have the honour to be
Your Excellency's
Obedient Servant
G S C FONSEKA RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc
General
Chief of Defence Staff
CONFIDENTIAL
Annex A
12 November 2009
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.
I receive this from an e-mail who is in contact with written medias
not sure whether its true or not
I'm still reading CONFIDENTIAL?
