Aide To Fonseka Arrested Over Journalist Wickrematunga Murder
By Philip Fernando
Brigadier Duminda Keppetiwalana, aide to the former Sri Lankan army chief General Sarath Fonseka, was arrested over the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga from last year.
General Fonseka, who was defeated last week in the Sri Lankan presidential election by the incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa, said the arrest of Brigadier Keppetiwalana was part of a wider attempt to isolate him and tarnish his reputation.
Brigadier Keppetiwalana, who served as the former army chief’s military assistant, was among 13 senior officers associated with General Fonseka who were ousted following President Rajapaksa’s election victory.
General Fonseka has claimed his defeat was the result of ‘ballot theft’ but has yet to release evidence to support his allegations.
General Fonseka, last night, denied Brigadier Keppetiwalana had any involvement in Mr. Wickrematunga’s murder. “They are doing this to isolate me, to take my staff away so I can’t run for office. No one can see these people or make a complaint.”
Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said Brigadier Keppetiwalana had been arrested but he could not confirm it was in connection with Lasantha Wickrematunga’s murder.
