People must not forget how corrupt politicians destroyed the country, says Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka

25-Oct-2026

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Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has stressed that the people must never forget the destruction inflicted on the country by corrupt politicians. He cautioned that the public should not begin thinking of handing power back to the old political establishment merely because minor shortcomings are observed in the present Government.

He made these remarks while addressing a public meeting in Monaragala.

Speaking further, he said:

The corrupt political culture that prevailed in the country for a long time devastated the economy and people's lives. Corrupt politicians plundered public resources, the country's money and the benefits that should have reached the people.

As a result, a few individuals became wealthy and enjoyed luxurious lifestyles, while the majority of the population was left struggling with poverty and economic hardship.

I, too, was once part of this political system. However, I left because I could not accept the corrupt culture that prevailed within it. A political force that rejects this culture has now come to power. We should regard this as a positive change.

I wish to recall an incident from the period when I served as a Member of Parliament during the Yahapalana Government.

At that time, Johnston Fernando, an MP from the Opposition, was in remand custody. He was subsequently released from remand and returned to Parliament.

One day, an argument broke out in Parliament between Johnston Fernando and two ministers of the Yahapalana Government who were seated in front of me.

During the argument, one of the ministers told Johnston Fernando: “Even though you shout at and abuse us like this, I was the one who sent you biryani and fried rice in prison.”

This incident illustrates how individuals who publicly presented themselves as belonging to opposing political camps maintained personal relationships and extended mutual favours behind the scenes.

Therefore, the people must not forget the consequences of corrupt politics in the past. They should not consider handing power back to the old politicians who destroyed the country merely because minor shortcomings are noticed in the present Government.

The country can progress only by protecting democracy, enforcing the law against corruption and safeguarding public resources, he said.