A Sri Lankan court martial on Friday stripped the general who spearheaded the army's victory over Tamil separatists of his military ranks after finding him guilty of involvement in politics while in uniform.
General Sarath Fonseka's conviction, which had been widely expected, and sentence still have to be approved and signed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
"He was found guilty of charges and sentenced to dishonourable discharge from rank and service, pending the president's approval," a military source said on condition of anonymity. Another military source confirmed the sentence.
An official at the Presidential Secretariat said that "he had been cashiered subject to president's approval."
Fonseka, who has been held in military custody at navy headquarters, will lose his military status, including his four-star general rank and pension, if Rajapaksa signs the document.
One of Fonseka's lawyers said he had not been informed of the court's decision but that it would be challenged if true.
reuters
judiciary in the country is clearly corrupted
if they treat somebody like Fonseka who gave his life for the country like this how will they treat everyday people ?
