Ex-Sri Lankan General Fonseka charged in two new cases

Colombo, July 14 (ANI): Jailed former Sri Lankan armed forces chief General Sarath Fonseka has been charged in two new cases in the civilian courts.

He already has one civilian and two military cases pending against him.

In one of the new cases, according to the BBC, he has been accused of recruiting army deserters to help him in his failed presidential election campaign in January.

Reports say this charge carries a possible 20-year prison sentence.

The state has also pressed 21 new charges against Gen Fonseka in relation to another case, in which he is accused of corruption in granting arms procurement contracts while he was army commander.

The authorities say that Gen Fonseka's son-in-law was also involved, but his whereabouts are unknown.

Officials have publicly accused Gen Fonseka of plotting coups and killings.

The latest cases have been adjourned till 26 July. (ANI)