Coup charge baseless, release Gen. Fonseka - Ranil

The United National Front says it vehemently rejects a government accusation that Gen. Sarath Fonseka and the JVP are plotting to capture power through a conspiracy.

UNF leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said today (Feb. 15) that there were no intentions whatsoever of gaining power through bloody coups.

It is only through blessings of the people at a free and fair election that we will gain power, he said.

By using its baseless and incorrect allegation, the government has arrested Gen. Fonseka and his supporters, who are yet to be informed in writing of the charges against them, he said.

The government is also using the same allegation to take Gen. Fonseka out of politics, which should be halted forthwith, said Mr. Wickremesinghe.

He also demanded that the detained general and his supporters be released immediately.