Lankan leader to raise Fonseka issue in India

A number of issues including the imprisonment of former army chief Sarath Fonseka are likely to come up for discussion during United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickeremesinghe's ongoing India visit. Sutirtho Patranobis reports.

A number of issues including the imprisonment of former army chief Sarath Fonseka are likely to come up for discussion during United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickeremesinghe's ongoing India visit.

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Former Prime Minister Wickeremesinghe is expected to ask the Indian leadership to urge the Lankan government to release Fonseka. Among others he is expected to meet external affairs minister, SM Krishna. The former Lankan general was first in military custody and is now in jail on charges of corruption and engaging in politics as army chief.

"I am sure this will also be in the agenda when he meets Indian leaders," UNP member and former foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera told a news conference on Monday.

We hope India will request the Sri Lanka government to release Fonseka," he said.