It was SFwho wanted more arms after war, not Defence Secy – Nimal

"I have documents here which prove that the former Army Commander wanted to procure more weapons. Maybe he fell out with the Defence Secretary because the latter said such weapons were no longer necessary," the Minister said."

Leader of the House Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva charged in Parliament yesterday that it was General Sarath Fonseka who had wanted to procure more weapons after the end of the war in May this year and not the Defence Secretary as Fonseka had alleged.

Speaking during the debate on the extension of the emergency, Minister de Silva refuted allegations that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had attempted to bring in more armaments after the conclusion of the conflict.

"I have documents here which prove that the former Army Commander wanted to procure more weapons. Maybe he fell out with the Defence Secretary because the latter said such weapons were no longer necessary," the Minister said.

He tabled in the House documents in support of his argument.

"We have a great deal of respect for General Fonseka’s achievement on the battle field but it is sad that he has fallen prey to those behind a conspiracy to destabilise the country," the Minister said.

>> Full Story