Fonseka Discusses War Victory
With military dictators in the region ending up as failures, General Sarath Fonseka, tipped to be the Opposition’s common candidate to face President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the forthcoming poll, said that he would do things differently.
He was replying to an observation this reporter asked him on Tuesday: that military leaders from this part of the region made poor leaders of their countries.
Fonseka said that he believed that the private sector was the engine of growth in the economy. However, he didn’t comment when asked what his thinking was in regard to state run utilities.
This took place at the annual conference of the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (CPM), where Fonseka was the chief guest. The theme of the conference was the “can do” approach.
Speaking at the event, he said that if teachers and grama sevaka niladharis could be engaged in politics, there was nothing wrong in a soldier taking to politics.
Giving an inkling of the plans he has for the country, he said that centres of excellence covering health and education at the secondary and tertiary levels, including the building of student hostels islandwide, was needed to tackle youth unrest.
Fonseka said that he was able to finish off the war in two years and nine months because he led from the front. The fact that he had also been attacked by a suicide bomber gave his men the added confidence in him. 5,200 soldiers were killed and another 23,000 injured in the war. Describing the intensity of the fighting, he said it was like fighting the Third World War, with heavy fighting raging day and night.
He said that another reason for the war win was that he attacked the enemy at his strong points. “This way I was able to kill not 10-15 terrorists, but hundreds,” said Fonseka. They also took the enemy off the beaten track, gaining the element of surprise. “No vehicle could traverse and no helicopter could land and sometimes casualties had to be carried for eight kilometres in such diversions,” he said.
Another reason for the victory was promotions being made on merit. Some 2,000 corporals and sergeants were promoted to the rank of second lieutenant this way, while “friends” in the army who couldn’t perform were overlooked for promotions. He also took the blame for debacles like the attempt to break through the Muhamalai defence lines twice, which led to the deaths of 210 soldiers.
He blamed weak military leadership, not political leadership, for allowing the LTTE to survive so long.
He said that in 1999, as a young Major General, he had told President Chandrika Kumaratunga in reply to a question that the war could be finished off in four years. Another Major General who was also present at this occasion said eight years; a third, who was commanding the army’s Special Forces said that the war could never be won; while a fourth made his presentation without any comment in regard to deadlines.
All four Major Generals invited by Kumaratunga had made presentations. The army was modernized during Kumaratunga’s regime with 120 mm, 130 mm, 152.7 mm m.b.r.l.s and tanks being procured during that period, he said.
By Paneetha Ameresekere
You show your professinalism & you suit to leadership.
Go Sarath Go, Go Sarath Go, Go Sarath Go. You Can Do. Dont be disheartened by the paid-crowds that we see in State Televison. These are crowds who have no principles. They are poor public who acts as the areas Mp directs. A large majority silently waiting to overthrow this government that is full of nepotism and corruption. The people know why we have a Presidential Election before the General Election. This is call ‘Grab power at any cost’. Soon after the presidential election he has to call a parliamentary election. Who is footing the bills? President Rajapakse or his henchmen no the taxpayer that is you and me. My family fast while rajapakse family feast. Do you want a government that tries to fool you day-in and day-out. I definitely dont want.
General Sir, Now you are trying to say that Chandrika Kumaratunga’s regime modernized the army! Now you are trying to say Chandrika Kumaratunga who immensely criticized the war led by you is good. Now you are trying to say Mangala who happily counted dead bodies of the solders saying you are not even suitable for Salvation Army is good. Sir, his proves me that your not different, if not worse, than ordinary politicians who possess two tongues.
HUD is absolutely right. What Sarath Fonseka should have done is get an honarary discharge from Army and enjoy the rest of his life in USA. This is the human nature….the more you get the more you want…power…wealth etc. what a shame.
I totally agree with you brothers. General is good soldier with lot of greed. So we can not see any different from him when compared with other politicians
MR Fonsaka we agreed you were HERO. former president and forrmer rMajor Generals gave their openion to the MS. Chandraka their openion to there head of state. Mr Fonsaka was the Army commander there was a good backing by the neighbouring countries. and you were visiting and met high offical who are interested to killed the Mr. Parabakaran they were behind the war but you were in WAR front . the great soldier mrFonsaka. you were credit ed by the people of srilanka and neighbour countries very prowed about you. . MR. Fonsaka IN general democratic country is not happy with the ARMY personal comeing to the politics.. Teachers ,Grama nillatri and person like Mr. wincent churchill soldier and politicians. particular in USA many student go army school they were trained and some of them work for shot time the they go some other class and examination. IN USA main objcct is education.. govt. gave top priority to student. MR FOnsaka you are fit for the politics if you are honest to the people of the country.. and honest democraticy.MY best wishes to next president to srilanka,.MR.FONSAKA
sincerly
dharma.
so true, a military leader will try to lead the country in a communist way just like north korea and no democratic rights will be given. But he is the only trump card public have to over throw MR and bros. Sri lanka cant stand another MR and bro rule, white van kidnap, extortion of money from minority business community and chasing them away from country. the emergency rule and stuff is killing us.
sarath is nothing great, commented that tamils and muslims r just visitors of this country. But i think its better to throw the MR and family at any cost coz MR thinks he is the real thuta gamunu. He dont understand the difference between king n president.
We Sri Lankans once again vote for MahaJARA Mahinda I dont think srilanka have a future, also young generation nothing to get accept poverty/uneducation. These Mahinda MahaRAJA keep more than 100 advisors for him getting upto 300,000 in salaries and perks, even world super powers like Pres, Obama leaders never had this luxury. If mahinda have good educational background why he must keep plenty of advisors for him? he doenst have proper prounasation in English too. General Fonseka is the right choice for the President. Armed forces are the real hero not these politicians.
Dr. K. Kaluarachchi
Parkville, VIC
Dear Dr. KK
I think you better check your brain before commenting. General has commented only his grievences and say good things about the same people who tarnished his name.
So he is no different than the common politician. HE IS GREEDY EGO MINDED PERSON. THE WAR WAS WON BY ALL THE FORCES AND NOT ONLY BY GENERAL. HE DID’nt WONT TO GIVE CREDIT TO THE OTHER FORCES.
HE IS JUST ANOTHER GREEDY PERSON. I THINK MAHINDA AND THE GAN IS BAD BUT GENERAL WILL BE WORSE
CROW,
do u think u can stand another Maha raja rule of mahinda?
i’m no fan of war victory or sarath but if sarath become the prez, he will abolish this maharaja type rule(executive presidential power). This is actually too much power. every single prez misused it. executive president in democracy is equal to monarchy / communist rule.
so atleast we can get rid of Mahinda and family rule by electing sarath.
Yes Kugan I think Fonseka will abolish Maharaja Power and build dictatorship like Hilter. What You Think?
KILLINGS OF INNOCENT TAMILS IS NOT A VICTORY
We have given so-called politicians a chance all these years. Why not an accomplished military man with a proven and clean track record to lead the country
The General has displayed a true but new trait amongst most Sri Lankans: ingratitude. Just look at all the copy cat businesses that start when a new and successful venture starts. Sri Lankans are great copy cats and try to pass it off as their own. In English law, “passing off” is a tort! Over here its not even a “tart”- the voters though will see through the Colombo elite’s burnishment of the General. The votes are with the mass of rurality and they will vote Mahinda rajapaksa back in with a slap on his wrist meaning a small margin perhaps a bit better than when he beat Ranil the unlicky politician.
You are greedy. You sing your own praise and no mention about the others who faught the war.
So U.S has finally managed to tarnish the image of of those who faught the war. They tried various tacticts but finally you SF fell for U.S., Mangala, Ranil and the lot.
This is a conspiracy of the highest order.
Eight or Nine palaces, billions wasted on Mihin Air, Millions wasted on another
International Airport as if Katunayake Airport is congested with planes landing and taking off every minute (lol), no action taken on individuals charged with taking bribes, collosal sums of money wasted on foreign travel for friends and relatives, world’s largest cabinet, millions wasted on security without any threat from Tiger terrorists for President, PM, Ministers and MPs, plan to build nine dagabos in nine provinces spending millions! and the list goes on. We need a leader with common sense.
War victory, my foot. Was it a war fought by the civilised army or legallised state terroist gang, Preba was no match to those who led. Supported by world autocaratic states overtly and covertly by the western democratic states, of course shouting about the humen right violations togather with the so called protectors of humen rights. When the shout was too much commissins were appointed by the government to investigatigate and do justice only to be eventually aborted. Further a carrot called the all party conference was held in front to show to the world that the government is serious in finding a political. solution. What happened to the APC or judicial commissions and the humen rightous guardians. Even emminant jurists came, they faulted the manner the commissins were conducting and went away in disgust. Sinahalese are proud about this achievements.
How people even in the non war zone were abducted, how many hedaless bodies were on the wayside. A good number were arrested and unjustly held without trial what will happen to them or when will they be released or will they be forced to confess and jailed, Editors and journalist of repute were threatened, assulted or imprisoed some are living in exile in foreign country, A well know editor was murdered in the city. Most popular TV station was burnet down, some media offices were attacked machine and equipment were damaged all this and many more in the name of fighting terrorism. Unfotunately our police or the Military police arte incapable of solveing these crimes.
How many innocent were killed and houses were destroyed, villages razed by arial bombing and shooting and artilary fire.Didn’t the government use chemical weapons? Can’t we call it terrorism. Even food and medicine was used as wepons. Hospitals, Senior homes, Orphanages temples and churches were bombed. Now we see hundred of thousands imprisoned in camps without adequate water, food, medicine and other facilities. The plight of the sick, infirm, old, women and girls cannot be ignored. What about the eduction of the youth. Can SF or the government leaders declare the policy about the IDPs and if possible the solution to the ethnic problems that is with us for over sixty years, will it be ever solved?
Sinhalese majority are gloating on the victory achieved by sheer terror and are ready to vote irrespective of their policies on other national issues.
AS A MILITARY MAN ON DUTY,GENERAL FONSEKA DID HIS JOB AS REQUIRED BY THE MILITARY.HE HAS SHOWN TO ALL THAT HE IS A RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB.RESPECT MUST GO TO THE MILITARYMEN FOR THE MILITARY VICTORY.THEY ARE THE WHO WENT TO WAR AND GOT KILLED AND INJUERED.POLITICIANS LIVED IN COOL ROOMS AND QUICKLY CLAIMED THE VICTORY FOR THEMSELVES.IT IS A SHAME TO THE PEOPLE AND INSULT TO THE MILITARYMEN AND WEMEN.NOW WHAT COUNTRY NEED IS A STRONG MAN FOR THE PRESIDENT.GENERAL FONSEKA FITS FOR IT,HE IS NOT CORRUPT,HIS INTENTION IS TO DEVELOP THE COUNTRY AND MAKE COUNTRY LAWFULL,CRIME FREE AND PROSPEROUS SOCIETY WITH EQUALL RIGHTS FOR ALL CITIZENS.ALL SRI LANKANS,HELP THIS GENERAL,YOU AND YOUR COUNTRY NEED HIM NOW.
General SF is the only person in Sri Lanka to challenge the formatin of a dictator in Sri Lanka. Now Rajapakshas will have to change their mentality and listen to people. I hope General will bring educated, experienced government officers in Sri Lanka to parliament instead of Thugs like Mervin.