Sri Lanka police records statement over military rift story

Sri Lankan Police have recorded a statement from a newspaper editor apparently in connection with a report on an alleged rift between a senior military commander and the government after the defeat of the LTTE.

Sri Lankan Police have recorded a statement from a newspaper editor apparently in connection with a report on an alleged rift between a senior military commander and the government after the defeat of the LTTE.

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Criminal Investigation Department officials recorded a statement from Chandana Sirimalwatte of the Lanka newspaper last night and allowed him to go after that, police spokesman Nimal Mediwake told PTI.

The newspaper, which is closely linked to the opposition JVP or People's Liberation Front said Sirimalwatte had been questioned about a story in Friday's edition.

The paper had alleged there were attempts to discredit Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka, who played a key role in the military's victory over Tamil rebels in May, after he reportedly refused to accept a civilian job.

But, Military Spokesperson Brig Udaya Nanayakkara denied any differences between LTTE war hero Fonseka and the government.

The false news was being published by various print and electronic media, Nanayakkara said, adding that General Fonseka is still the most senior officer serving in the Army.