Lankan court orders stripping Fonseka off rank, medals

Colombo: A Sri Lankan military court on Friday stripped the country's war hero and former Army chief Sarath Fonseka off his rank and medals after finding him guilty of dabbling in politics, while in service.

The General was convicted by a three-member military court which began deliberations five months back.

The court verdict has to be ratified by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces, Sri Lankan media reported.

The court also ruled that the 59-year old general, who is now a parliamentarian, be "cashiered," which means he will be stripped off his rank, medals and decorations won during his 40-year long span in the Sri Lankan Army.

Fonseka is currently an MP from the opposition Democratic National Alliance party though he remains under arrest. His supporters allege that these accusations are politically motivated.

Fonseka has the right to appeal the verdict in a civilian court.

The General is also being tried by another court martial on corruption in deals to procure military equipment for the Army.

Sri Lanka failed to build on war victory: Fonseka

As a battlefield commander, Fonseka has been hailed by Lankan media as the architect of the country's decisive military victory over the Tamil Tigers after a 37-year long insurgency.

Fonseka, who was once considered close to President Rajakasa and later challenged him in the Presidential election in 2009.