Immunity for Shavendra; freedom for Gen. Fonseka ?

(Lanka-e-News-11.Feb.2012,10.00AM) In the case filed in New York, America against Shavendra Silva by a widow that her husband was killed during the war allegedly due to the orders given by Shavendra Silva to the 58th regiment after the regiment arrested the victim, the New York judge who took the view that Shavendra Silva who is holding Diplomatic office is entitled to diplomatic immunity , dismissed the case. The plaintiff had filed an appeal against this decision however. Accordingly , this case has been referred to the Higher court. The SL Govt. had requested the American Govt. to grant the immunity to Shavendra Silva in this case. Meanwhile, according to foreign Diplomatic circles , the American Govt. had exerted pressure on the SL Govt. to release former Army Commander Gen. Fonseka who is now in prison. Based on informed unofficial sources , in pursuance of this request , discussions are progressing between a defense division chief of the country and a member of the Fonseka family in this connection.

Arjuna Ranatunge M P of Gen. Fonseka’s party told a private broadcasting channel today that the SL President will be freeing Gen. Fonseka in March. In any event , Gen. Fonseka completed two years incarceration on the 8th of February 2012. Right now,there is a powerful and strong demand from the opposition political parties and the people agitating for his release.