Colombo, Jan. 27: Former Sri Lankan Army chief and Opposition presidential candidate Sara-th Fonseka said he would move court and petition the election commission to annul the verdict, saying it was not held in a fair and free manner and the government machinery and media were misused to “brand me a traitor” (by accusing him of striking a deal with the Tamil National Alliance to re-emerge the north and east). “I got huge crowds at my rallies and I saw people wanted a change. I suspect foul play. I do not accept this verdict and I will challenge it.”
Saying he feared for his life, Gen. Fonseka said President Rajapakse and his brother, defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse, “should be held responsible should anything happen to me”.Age Correspondent