Prelates advice SF to rest before  returning to politics

By Cyril Wimalasurendre

KANDY – Former Army Commander and Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka, released from prison on a presidential pardon, was advised by the Mahanayake Theras of Malwatta and Asgiriya to get some rest before taking to politics once again.

Most Venerable Tibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake of Malwatte on Tuesday (22) told Fonseka "rest for some time and improve your health before taking to politics again".

"Health is very important," the prelate added.

Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Mahanayake of Asgiriya said "rest for some time now, take to politics later".

Fonseka replied that he had rested for two and half years.

The prelate said "but you had no mental rest".

The prelate said that they were pleased that he had been released. "We had been making continuous representations to the President seeking your release. In fact the President by telephone on May 17 told me that you would be released on May 19."

The former Army chief expressed his appreciation to the Maha Sangha and the people who stood by him throughout.

He said his ambition was to serve the people and that could not be stopped by anyone.

Fonseka said he was grateful to the media which supported him.

Among those who accompanied Gen. Fonseka to meet the Mahanayake Theros and to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, where he was received by the Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, were his wife Anoma and two daughters, MPs Tiran Alles, Karu Jayasuriya, Range Bandara, Shalinda Hettiarachchi, Jayantha Ketagoda and Dheeghaya Abeynayaka.