Sri Lankan general a possible presidential challenger

Joanna McCarthy

Last Updated: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:08:00 +1100

Sri Lanka's Army chief has announced his resignation, and looks to be considering a run against President Mahinda Rajapakse in upcoming elections.

Over the weekend, the President had been expected to provide a timetable for elections.

But he put off that announcement, saying he needed more time to consult with party leaders.

Analysts say Gen Sarath Fonseka, who is widely credited with winning a 25-year war against the separatist Tamil Tigers, could split Mr Rajapaksa's voter base and revitalise the long-dormant opposition.

Dr Pakiasothy Saravanamuttu, executive director of the Centre for policy Alternatives in Colombo, says the general is a strong opposition candidate.

"I guess the calculation is the that the President's strong suit is the victory against the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam), and fielding a candidate like Fonseka takes some of that away in terms of shared responsibility," he said.

Soured relationship

Gen. Fonseka, Sri Lanka's most decorated general, won victory in May over the Tamil Tigers in a brutal showdown that eliminated the remnants of the rebel army and its leadership.

It also caused a bitter fall out between the President and his military commander.

"I think the relationship had soured in terms of a feeling that on the part of Fonseka that he was being denied due credit, and on the part of the President and his close associates, that General Fonseka was wanting to take all the credit," said Dr Saravanamuttu.

In his letter of resignation, General Fonseka said he had been sidelined by the President because of fears he would lead a coup.

He also accused the Government of corruption, violating human rights, stifling media freedom and suppressing political dissent.

Observers say these were bold claims from a man who was himself accused of human rights abuses during the final stages of the civil war.

Tough questions

Dr Jehan Perera, executive director of the National Peace Council in Colombo, says if the general follows through with a campaign, he will face tough questions on those counts.

"I don't know how he'll explain the high level of civilian casualties that also occurred in the course of the war against the LTTE, but saying one thing and doing another - denying the past - is an unfortunate part of the Sri Lankan reality that we need to go beyond," he said.