Controversy over new defence post offered to Field Marshal Fonseka

A dilemma has risen over reports that Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka is to be given additional duties of controlling strikes and trade union activities. Questions are being raised as to whether these reports had substance or should be taken in the lighter vein?

The questions were raised after comments made by some of his own cabinet colleagues.

The latest came from Labour Minister John Senevirate. He said he had clarified with President Maithripala Sirisena who had told him that he was not serious regarding the offer.

“I was not present at the cabinet meeting in which the President reportedly made the offer. But after the reports appeared in the media, I met the President and clarified this. He told me it was a statement he made in lighter vein and he was not serious about it,” Mr. Seneviratne told a news conference.

The minister, howerver, said some were trying to capitalise on it by trying to attract crowds for the May Day rallies.

Mr. Seneviratne was not the only Minister to say the offer was not serious. Minister S.B. Dissanayake also said he believed that the offer made by the President was not serious.

“The President asked what our response was and we laughed,” he said.

But, there were others who took a serious note of the proposal. Minister Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa said it was a ‘cabinet decision’ and that a special unit was needed to control those who were trying to destabilse the country.

Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne elaborated on the proposal saying the President was willing to offer the Chief of Defence Staff post to the Field Marshal.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said the cabinet has not taken such a decision though serious concerns were expressed over the inconven- ience caused to the people through regular wild cat demonstrations or strikes.

Field Marshal Fonseka himself has taken a serious note about the offer saying he was willing to accept responsibility of maintaining essential services in the event of a breakdown. But he says he does not wish to crack down on trade unions.

Whether the proposal would become a reality is closely being watched by trade unions.