REFUGEE: President blocks vehicle that was to be given to the General when he left Army Chief’s post

President blocks vehicle that was to be given to the General when he left Army Chief’s post

Posted in Labels: General Sarath Fonseka 11:02

Defence Ministry sources said the President has withdrawn an earlier order given by him to the Ministry asking the vehicle used by General Sarath Fonseka during his tenure as Army Chief be handed over to him when he was leaving the office.

It was also reported yesterday (26) that the President had ordered the Land Commissioner not to sign the deed for the 20 perch land in Colombo that was to be handed over to the General as promised by the President. Following the successful completion of the war against the LTTE, the government decided to hand over 20 perch lands to each of the forces chiefs.

	The Cabinet also approved a proposal during President Chandrika Kumaratunge’s tenure that made provision for the forces chiefs to take with them the official vehicle used by them when retiring from office. The same facility is offered to government ministry officials as well. Although General Sarath Fonseka has not retired from service yet, the President decided and informed the Defence Secretary to permit him to take charge of the bullet proof vehicle used by him during his tenure as Army Chief. The President made a public statement that it was gesture to show his gratitude to the General. However, reports from the Defence Ministry state that the President has issued a new order asking the vehicle not to be released to the General. Reproduced below is a copy of the notice issued during the tenure of the former President permitting the forces chiefs to claim ownership of the vehicles used by them during their term in office upon retirement.