Colombo: Former Sri Lankan Army Chief Gen
Sarath Fonseka was on Saturday stripped off his rank, medals and
pension after President Mahinda Rajapaksa ratified the verdict
of his conviction by a court martial.
The court martial had found Fonseka guilty of dabbling
in politics while heading the country's military last year.
"The President in his capacity of Commander-in-Chief
of the Armed forces has confirmed the findings and the
punishment handed down by the first court martial," a military
official said.
By the decree signed by Rajapaksa, Fonseka will lose
his right to wear rank, medals he has won in his 40 year long
career in the Army, as well as his pension.
Fonseka was pronounced guilty by a three-member
military court of trying to secure place in a political party
while in active service.
Although Friday's military court ruling did not hand
out any prison term for the former General, Fonseka, according
to officials, will continue to remain in prison.
He is also being tried by another court martial for
corruption in defence deals.
The 59-year-old General was pronounced guilty
yesterday by the military court, which began deliberations
five months back.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, August 14, 2010, 17:31