Colombo: Sri Lanka on Monday strongly protested
US plans to question Chief of Defence Staff Gen Sarath Fonseka
over alleged human rights violations in the last phase of the
civil war, saying he has no authority to share any information
relating to national security with third parties.
The US Department of Homeland Security authorities have
asked Fonseka, who is currently on a visit to the US, to make
himself available for questioning in Oklahama, on Wednesday.
"Our position is that the meeting should not take
place," he told reporters after Foreign Office summoned US
Ambassador Patricia Butenis to lodge protest over the move and
was told that the US should "forthwith desist from any
endeavor to interview General Fonseka."
"Whatever information General Fonseka may have acquired
in the exercise of his official duties is privileged by
nature. Therefore, it cannot legally be shared with third
parties without the prior approval and consent of the Sri
Lanka authorities," Bogollagama said.
Foneska, who was the Army Chief during the last phase of
the war, had travelled to the US on a diplomatic passport for
pre-arranged appointments, he said.
He said Fonseka, a US green card holder, has been asked
to testify before US authorities whose objective is to to use
him "as a source against human rights violations by Defence
Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa (brother of President Mahinda
Rajapaksa)."
Besides a letter, Fonseka also received a telephone
call from the US Homeland Department in this regard.
"The matter under reference has serious implications
for the security and welfare of the people of Sri Lanka and
the Government of Sri Lanka will under no circumstances,
authorise such an illegal act," Bogollogama said.
He said the US Ambassador was also briefed of the
decision taken by Mahinda Rajapaksa to appoint a panel to
consider matters relating to human rights violations in a US
State Department dossier.
The Foreign Minister said Fonseka "has no authority to
divulge or share this information with third parties, without
the prior approval and consent of the Sri Lanka authorities."
He said the President and the Government of Sri Lanka
stand firmly behind the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff
of Sri Lanka.
"We will not allow that high post to be denigrated or
made vulnerable," Bogollagama said in a statement issued at
the press conference.
In reply to a query, Bogollagama said Fonseka will be
given necessary legal aid, if needed.
"It is pertinent to recall in this regard that
Gotabaya Rajapaksa's duties as Secretary of that Ministry
required his dealing with a situation of a grave onslaught
that threatened the integrity of Sri Lanka," Bogollagama
said.
The allegations levelled against the Sri Lankan
Defence Secretary affect the vital interests of the Government
of Sri Lanka and have occupied considerable time and attention
of the respective Governments, at the highest levels.
Bureau Report