The incarcerated former Sri Lankan army chief Sarath Fonseka has been kept in solitary confinement in the Welikade prison to ensure “maximum security” for him, The Island daily reported on Saturday, quoting the Minister of Prisons, D E W Gunasekara.
“No other prisoners will be allowed to visit him,” the Minister added.
Earlier reports had said that the 59-year-old former General would be sharing his cell with two other convicts.
The cashiered General, whose rank and medals were taken away for his involvement in politics, and who was sentenced to 30 months of rigorous imprisonment for corruption in military procurement, ate his first prison regulation meal of rice and pol sambol (grated coconut with chilly and salt) on Saturday morning.
He reportedly told jail officials that he enjoyed the meal. He seemed to take his incarceration with equanimity, officials said.
Threat from LTTE
Gunasekara told reporters that maximum security would be provided for Fonseka as the prison complex had former LTTE cadre and others who could pose a threat to him.
Fonseka had fought and won the war against the LTTE for Sri Lanka and was wounded in battle thrice, once in a suicide attack by a female LTTE cadre.
His wife, Anoma, told Daily Mirror that she could meet her husband only once a month. Extra visits could be arranged only on special request.
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