'Politically victimised' Fonseka 'expects jail term' in 2nd court martial over corruption charges

London, Aug 20 (ANI): Former Sri Lankan armed forces Chief, and the defeated presidential candidate, Sarath Fonseka has alleged that he is a victim of political vendetta and expects a second court martial to impose a jail sentence on him on corruption charges.

He is under investigation for the alleged irregularities in military purchases by the Army during his tenure as the Army Chief.

Last week, a military court had sentenced him to be stripped of his rank as a general and dishonourably discharged from the armed forces.

Sarath Fonseka, once very close to President Rajapaksa and his powerful brothers, says he is being victimised for daring to challenge Rajapaksa in the presidential elections.

"Whatever I did for the country, I didn't expect anything in return. When I served the country for 40 years, I did not expect medals. I did not expect promotions. I did not expect money. I didn't work on a contract," the BBC quoted Fonseka, as saying.

"They are trying to create a lawless situation, lawlessness in the country. That is not in the long-term interest of the country. If there is no law and order in the country, people are not safe," he added.

However, the government has said that he had been planning a coup and assassinations earlier this year, and so the law will take its course. (ANI)