The defence counsel appearing for Gen. Fonseka argued the court martial could not be relied on the evidence of Johnston Fernando as he had a motive to implicate Gen. Fonseka.

The first GCM hearing on Gen. Fonseka’s alleged involvement in political work while in active service was taken up before the Court Martial tribunal comprising Major General Harsha Weeratunga, Major General Lalith Wijetunga and Major General Aruna Jayatilake.

On July 15 Minister Fernando was cross-examined by Defence Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne PC who questioned him on a report of a magisterial inquiry conducted against an LTTE suspect. According to the Magisterial inquiry report, the LTTE suspect had made a statement in which Johnston Fernando’s name had been revealed.

However the prosecution objected to the B-report and further relating to the magisterial inquiry on the basis that it was a hearsay allegation made by some of the LTTE suspects at an inquiry pending before court. Subsequently the Court Martial hearing was postponed for yesterday July 16.

When it was taken up further argument was on the magisterial inquiry report and the defence contended that former UNP MP Fernando had a motive to give evidence against Gen. Fonseka. Hearing was put off for July 26.(DM)