Former Naval Commander demands Rs. 500 million compensation

Former Naval Commander demands Rs. 500 million compensation
The former Naval commander and secretary to the Highways Minister, Vasantha Karranagoda had sent a letter of demand claiming Rs. 500 million as compensation for defamation from retired Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka over a false and derogatory statement allegedly made by the General when he participated in a Sirasa television program.

Karannagoda’s lawyer Athula De Silva has forwarded this letter of demand which also notifies that if this sum is not paid within 14 days, legal action shall be filed.

Gen. Fonseka who appeared in the 9.30 p.m. television program on the last 24th night, according to the letter of demand, when relating an episode involving the President, himself and the Naval Commander, had said ‘when he was told to go within 48 hours after removing the uniform, he cried like a small child. He was asked to hand over the forces to me. I did not cry. I was not told to remove the uniform. When he was told to leave within 48 hours, he cried.’ The letter claims that these references are derogatory and defamatory of Karannagoda and is aimed at conveying an impression that he was a weak individual.