Washington: The US today expressed its concern over the arrest of ex-army chief Sarath Fonseka and asked Sri Lanka to make sure that the action against him is taken under the rule of law.
"We have had discussions with the Sri Lankan ambassador here in Washington regarding General Fonseka and we urge that any action be undertaken in accordance with Sri Lankan law," Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs PJ Crowley told reporters.
"We want to see the government of Sri Lanka announce the legal basis for his detention," Crowley said.
He, however, refuted charges that the US provided financial support to Fonseka during his presidential election campaign earlier this year.
"The (US) embassy in Colombo has put out a very strong statement rejecting the claim of US financial support to the opposition candidate in Sri Lanka's present election," Crowley said.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the US Jaliya Wickramasuriya issued a statement arguing that there is nothing political in Foneska's arrest, as he has been arrested due to his activities during service in the Sri Lankan Army.
"The General's arrest has nothing to do with the recent presidential campaign. Instead, his arrest came under the Army Act and involves activities during his service in the Sri Lankan Army. Those activities are now under investigation," the Ambassador said in a statement posted on the Embassy's website.
"There has been a great deal of misinformation regarding this arrest because of retired Gen Fonseka's recent unsuccessful presidential candidacy," he said.
PTI
"We have had discussions with the Sri Lankan ambassador here in Washington regarding General Fonseka and we urge that any action be undertaken in accordance with Sri Lankan law," Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs PJ Crowley told reporters.
"We want to see the government of Sri Lanka announce the legal basis for his detention," Crowley said.
He, however, refuted charges that the US provided financial support to Fonseka during his presidential election campaign earlier this year.
"The (US) embassy in Colombo has put out a very strong statement rejecting the claim of US financial support to the opposition candidate in Sri Lanka's present election," Crowley said.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the US Jaliya Wickramasuriya issued a statement arguing that there is nothing political in Foneska's arrest, as he has been arrested due to his activities during service in the Sri Lankan Army.
"The General's arrest has nothing to do with the recent presidential campaign. Instead, his arrest came under the Army Act and involves activities during his service in the Sri Lankan Army. Those activities are now under investigation," the Ambassador said in a statement posted on the Embassy's website.
"There has been a great deal of misinformation regarding this arrest because of retired Gen Fonseka's recent unsuccessful presidential candidacy," he said.
PTI
