Colombo: Sri Lanka`s tattered coalition found a rallying point here as its leaders came together in support of detained former Army chief Sarath Fonseka, and indicated a possibility of a post Parliamentary Election understanding.
The opposition political parties, who fielded Fonseka against Mahinda Rajapaksa in the presidential polls, have decided to go it alone in the upcoming parliamentary polls but have jointly expressed solidarity with him.
The opposition leaders backed Fonseka`s wife Anoma, last evening at a meeting to discuss his arrest and expected trial, as she expressed concern over the "conditions in the country".
"We are living in a country where we don`t have freedom of speech... Not only we have freedom of expression violated, we have to listen to foul language and incorrect facts used by those in government. That is what they have ordered," an emotional Anoma said here.
Fonseka`s former spokesman Mangala Samaraweera said there was need to engage in broad discussions to face challenges.
The main opposition United National Party (UNP) has formed its own alliance, and so far Samaraweera, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) led by Rauff Hakeem and Mano Ganeshan led Democratic People`s Front (DPF) have agreed to contest the Parliamentary Election under the UNP`s Elephant symbol.
The JVP has formed a new political front, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) under Fonseka`s leadership.
The leaders have however indicated they are open to a post election understanding in parliament. It, however, remains to be seen whether Fonseka will be able to contest the April 8 Parliamentary Elections.
Speaking at the gathering, Anoma said people were unable to oppose the government`s attitude on "freedom of expression and inaccurate facts".
"That is the level of democracy that prevails in the country. The entire country is aware of it. But we don`t have the strength to shout out against it.. We lack a leader. That is what we are faced with today," Anoma said.
Samaraweera said "efforts are being made to convert this country into a fascist state".
"We are now faced with greater challenges than a year ago. We need to engage in broad discussions on how we should face these challenges. I believe the civil society should engage in this situation in a more effective manner," the dissident SLFP leader said.
Former PM and UNP Supremo Ranil Wickremasinghe said Fonseka should not be subjected to military laws as he had retired from the Army before contesting the Presidential Elections.
PTI
