Former President Maithripala Sirisena and Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka locked horns in Parliament yesterday over an issues relating to national security. Fonseka claimed that electing politicians who lack understanding of the country’s national security as head of state is a disadvantage. He also noted that he was promoted to the post of Field Marshal as a part of the election pledge given by Maithripala Sirisena in 2015.
Sirisena taking a jab at Fonseka said that the latter begged for the promotion from him.
Sirisena noted, “I am the one who appointed Fonseka as a Field Marshal and it is sad to see him criticizing me.” Fonseka in reply said, “You appointed me as a Field Marshal as per the election pledges you gave during the presidential poll.” “You were pleading me to appoint you as a Field Marshal. You could not even save the Army headquarters from the LTTE.They attacked the headquarters and even caused injuries to you. Such a man is accusing me of failing to stop the Easter Sunday attacks.” Sirisena pointed out. Fonseka replied, “Former President does not understand about the security measures that have to be taken. There were peace talks going on during that time. We don’t keep barriers in such a situation.”
