Fonseka’s wife allowed to meet former army chief

As Sri Lanka’s jailed former army chief Sarath Fonseka’s fate remains uncertain, the authorities on Tuesday night allowed his wife to meet him, a top military official said on Wednesday.

“General Fonseka is not in a cell. He has been provided proper accommodation and has access to his wife and lawyer,” Military Spokesman Major General Prasad Samarasinghe said.

"Anoma Fonseka spent three hours at the place where Mr. Fonseka is, and brought food from home for him last night,” he said.

Ms. Anoma, during a crowded press conference yesterday, had appealed to the government to give access to Mr. Fonseka, whose whereabouts, she said, was not known.

Major General Samarasinghe said the retired General would also have access to his lawyer, though officials said the former army chief was yet to appoint one. He also said that Ms. Anoma could talk to Mr. Fonseka after seeking prior approval.

Samarasinghe made it clear that Mr. Fonseka was detained only under the military laws and had nothing to do with politics.

The Sri Lankan military has maintained that Mr. Fonseka, while serving as the member of the sensitive Security Council of the country, had interacted with political parties and leaders who were working against the government.