'Besieged' Fonseka sent SOS to India
Fonseka had appealed to “friendly neighbouring countries” for help.
By K Venkataramanan, TNN |
COLOMBO: Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday won a landslide mandate for six more years as Sri Lanka’s president, securing 5.5 million votes to opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka’s 3.9 million, on a day of drama which saw his rival seek help from India after army troops surrounded his hotel.
Fonseka, a former army chief, appealed to “friendly neighbouring countries” for help. Opposition leaders too approached the Indian High Commission in Colombo to ensure his safety.
Through the day, the Indian government was in constant touch with both sides but made it clear that it would not interfere in the internal dynamics of Sri Lanka. In a late-night statement, the external affairs ministry said, “We hope the post-election scenario would be free of violence” - a signal to both sides to scale down the rhetoric. India also reminded Rajapaksa of the necessity of “lasting peace”.
Fonseka, a former army chief, appealed to “friendly neighbouring countries” for help. Opposition leaders too approached the Indian High Commission in Colombo to ensure his safety.
Through the day, the Indian government was in constant touch with both sides but made it clear that it would not interfere in the internal dynamics of Sri Lanka. In a late-night statement, the external affairs ministry said, “We hope the post-election scenario would be free of violence” - a signal to both sides to scale down the rhetoric. India also reminded Rajapaksa of the necessity of “lasting peace”.
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