General Sarath Fonseka did not represent any particular political party and as such he could not show to the people a policy adopted by his own party, Export Development and International Trade Minister Professor G L Peiris said in Kandy.

He said Fonseka had come forward to implement the policies of other interested parties who followed conflicting policies.

"Fonseka is backed mainly by the UNP and the JVP. There is a vast difference between the policies of the UNP and the JVP. The ultimate result will be that the common candidate will get stranded and isolated," said the Minister.

Professor Peiris was addressing a meeting of academic and non-academic staff of the University of Peradeniya recently.

The meeting was held at the secretariat of the Central Province Governor.

It was for the first time in the history of war that a Commander of the Army after successfully defeating the enemy on the directions of the ruler of the country challenging the very ruler at an election.

It has happened for the first time in Sri Lanka. General (retd) Sarath Fonseka who launched the military offensive against the LTTE terrorism as Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, on the orders of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was challenging Mahinda Rajapaksa in the Presidential election, he said.

LTTE terrorism could not have been militarily defeated if not for the orders given by President Rajapaksa, he added.

If not for the command given to fight against the enemy by the President, Fonseka could not have launched the military offensive. Not only President Rajapaksa issued instructions to Fonseka to continue with the offensive but he also provided the required personnel, weapons and every other requirement, he said.

President Rajapaksa acted with courage and commitment to end terrorism. His predecessors did not possess that courage and commitment. They feared the national and international repercussions. The Heads of the state starting from former president J R Jayewardene had to call a halt to the military offensive launched against LTTE terrorists in Vadamaarachchi due to the pressure applied by foreign powers.

But Mahinda Rajapaksa, with his matured statesmanship and courage, succeeded in winning the support of the interested foreign powers. With the blessings of the peace-loving people of the country and brave security forces, he was able to eliminate LTTE terrorism. Fonseka alone could not take the credit of defeating terrorism, said the Minister.

"History reminds us that forces gained victory in wars against enemies on the orders of the heads of states."

The minister also said common candidate Fonseka was giving amazing election promises. Most popular of these was the scrapping of the Executive Presidency. This could not be done without a two-third majority in Parliament. Another grand promise was Rs 10,000 salary increase for public servants.

Minister Peiris said the responsibility of a politician was different from that of a soldier. A head of state could not be learning to rule while ruling. The ruler must be an experienced politician.

Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said a country could not be governed by hatred. To become a successful administrator, one should possess experience. Experience could only be gained by actively engaged in politics.

Ranawaka said the people should be wise enough in electing a head of state. Hasty decisions would end up in chaos.

Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, UGCchairman Professor Gamini Samaranayake and president, Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya of the University of Peradenya K G Wickremasinghe also spoke.

Central provincial Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa was present.