Sri Lanka army chief convicted

The former head of the army in Sri Lanka, who led the military to victory over Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009, has been sentenced to three years in jail.

AFP

Sarath Fonseka was accused of favouring an army supply company run by his own son when deciding on military contracts. The decision is expected to be ratified by President Mahinda Rajapakse when he returns from the United Nations general assembly next month.

Fonseka tried unsuccessfully to unseat Rajapakse in elections in January.

Last month, Fonseka was stripped of his rank and pension after another court found him guilty of dabbling in politics while in uniform.

Earlier in the court hearing, Fonseka’s lawyers accused the court of serious irregularities.