Fonseka has become a marketing tool for certain politicians

As per the powers vested in the President under the Constitution, the President has given a Presidential Pardon has been given to Sarath Fonseka and accordingly he has been released from the prison.  No President in this country has mitigated penalties imposed by Court Marshals.  Even Sarath Fonseka, when he was the Commander of the Army meted out Court Marshall punishments to 7,500 army personnel.

This was stated by the Acting Minister of Mass Media and Information Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene addressing the media conference held this morning for announcing cabinet decisions at the Government  Information Department.

Responding to questions raised by the media personnel the Minister said that Parliamentarian Tiran Alles mediated in getting this release and even Mrs. Anoma Fonseka met the President and he is not aware of the matters they discussed.

The Minister said that there were some politicians who preferred Fonseka remaining in the jail to get political advantage out of it and similarly some politicians are attempting to get political advantage using Fonskea who is now out of the jail.  He said that Fonseka has become a marketing tool for certain politicians.  He said that the light of the lamp of Fonseka may turn to any side depending on the circumstances.  At the same time he said that certain media is also making use of Fonseka for commercial purposes.

The Minister emphasized that granting of Presidential Pardon to Fonseka clearly displays that the President has no personal rivalry with Fonseka and as the President of the country he granted him the pardon on the day prior to the 3rd Anniversary of the War Victory.