Fonseka to be tried next week

(FILES) In this picture taken on February 1, 2010, former Sri Lankan army chief and defeated presidential candidate General Sarath Fonseka gestures as he speaks to media representratives in Colombo. Former Sri Lankan army chief and defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka will face three charges in a military court, including "conduct unbecoming an officer," a source said March 11, 2010. "There will be three charges against him," said the military source, who declined to be named. In addition to the "conduct unbecoming" charge, he will also be accused of maintaining contact with opposition politicians while being head of the army and unfairly granting an arms tender to a company run by his son-in-law. AFP PHOTO/Ishara S.KODIKARA/FILES

Sri Lanka's common opposition presidential candidate, General (retired) Sarath Fonseka, would be tried on five different counts by two separate courts martial on March 16 and 17 at the Navy Headquarters.

Military spokesman Prasad Samarasinghe told journalists here on Thursday that President Mahinda Rajapaksa on recommendation made by the Army Chief Jagath Jayasuriya, has named the two courts martial.

He said the courts martial would bring charges against the commander-turned-politician under two major categories.

These are participation in political work while in active service and contravention of laid down procedures, related to military procurement.

As per the spokesperson, they have been made in accordance with provisions in the Army Act and are to be heard before those two courts martial, presided by Major General, H.L Weerathunga.

Two other Major Generals, A.L.R Wijethunga and D.R.A.B Jayathilaka, have been appointed as the other members and Rear Admiral W.W.J.S Fernando would serve as Judge Advocate.

Earlier this week, the military through a communiqué had announced that the summary of evidence over charges against the ex-General was completed and handed over to the Army Chief.