Arms deal case: Court martial finds Fonseka guilty

Update: 2010-09-15 00:00 GMT

COLOMBO, Sept 17 (PTI): Already stripped off his military rank and medals, former Sri Lankan Army chief Sarath Fonseka was today held guilty of corruption charges by a second court martial and sentenced to a prison term of three years.

Now an opposition lawmaker, Fonseka, who led Sri Lankan Army to a spectacular victory over the LTTE last year, was found guilty of corruption in defence deals at a hearing held today, sources said.

The second court martial has recommended to the President a three-year jail term for Fonseka, they said.

The recommendations will be sent to the President, who has to approve them as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The punishment will be officially declared only after the President signs the order, the sources said.

Fonseka had been charged with favouring an arms firm headed by his son-in-law in defence deals during his time as Army chief.

Similar News

Know your DAY
Former State TT player dies