Sarath Fonseka misses American visa for third time ... because of war crimes allegation

Sarath Fonseka misses American visa for third time ... because of war crimes allegation

It is in America that Field Marshal's daughters live and he was hoping to travel to the United Nations Assembly accompanied by the President a few days ago with the intention of meeting his daughters. However he was not able to proceed on that journey because he was refused visa, it was reported.

When a weekend newspaper inquired him about this, Mr. Sarath Fonseka explained what happened in

the following manner:

* Weren't you prepared to travel to New York together with the President?

   Yes.

* But you could not go, didn't you?

   All those who were to go received their visas across the Foreign Ministry.   My visa was delayed. They wanted various other forms of information. I have a Green Card which grants permission and which is issued to permanent residents in America. They wanted me to renew my Green Card. Now it is over an year since I submitted for it to be renewed. But it was not done as such. Separate visas are issued to those who go on this journey. But those who possess the Green Card are not given separate visas. Then they asked that the Green Card be handed over in toto. I agreed to that also. After all that was done, I was told that my visa has not been approved from New York. What happened as a result was that I lost the Green Card. Could not get the visa either. Lost the opportunity to attend United Nations Assembly too.

I had requested twice earlier too. It was to attend the postgraduate ceremony of my youngest daughter.  But was rejected. What I came to know was that there are war crimes allegations against me and that till those are settled, visa would not be approved.

* Are war crimes allegations against you or the Army?

   That accusation has been targetted at me for having been the Army Commander. What I understand is that because of accusations targetted for wrongdoings of certain individuals I carry a responsibility as the Commander of the Army.

Discussion -- Prasanna Sanjeewa Tennakoon (Lankadeepa)