While other local media – electronic and press – rarely give any news of General Sarath Fonseka, and if they do they only criticise and blame him, the Sunday Times boldly published a feature article (“Fonseka Jailed but not Jolted”, by Chandani Kirinde) that generously quoted General Sarath Fonseka and gave his version of an unfortunate episode in recent political history.
Whatever others may say, there is no getting around the fact that it was General Sarath Fonseka’s effort, strategy and determination that won the War.
As General Fonseka pointed out, the Rajapaksas had little choice but to appoint him, because previous Army Commanders had failed to do the job.
In his book, “How the LTTE lost the Eelam War”, Don Wijewardena says: “When Rajapaksa asked Sarath Fonseka, just 10 days before he was due to retire, whether he was willing to take on the task, he readily agreed, but on one condition – that he be allowed to select his own team. Rajapaksa agreed.”
If writer Don Wijewardena’s version of the story is to be accepted, then who should we thank for winning the war?
At least, it is heartening to know that there are Sri Lankans who admire General Sarath Fonseka, and that knowledge should be a comfort to the General in his present solitude.
Florence Solomonze,
Kotte |
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