Former Sri Lankan Army General Sarath Fonseka has claimed that the LTTE had used Indian army uniforms asserting that this explains freshly uncovered evidence of war crimes, and maintained that he was willing to answer any questions over the conduct of the war.
Speaking to reporters in Colombo, Fonseka said,
“These pictures could have been doctored… The bunker where he was looks too tidy and orderly to be one of our bunkers. In the battle field, we did not have the luxury of having such neat and tidy bunkers”
“The camouflaged uniform worn by someone who is claimed to be a Sri Lankan soldier is not we issue our troops. This is the camouflage that is used by Indian troops. We know Tigers used smuggled Indian army-type uniforms”.
Addressing the issue of accountability and allegations of war crimes, the former general said it was his “duty” to face any questions, commenting,
“People want to know what happened. Some want to clear doubts… Accountability is something that you can’t ignore basically,”
“(I) should be able to answer the questions if any queries are made about the conduct of the soldiers and the manner the operations were conducted… Those are things you can’t just try to ignore".
“We don’t have to shy (away), we can answer. But they (the government) are not doing that… I have no problem. I am confident and I know how the battle was conducted”.
"If somebody is shy and tries to hide from facing questions, then obviously, people will start suspecting more and more.. In my case I have no problem like that and I am ready to answer anybody and clarify any doubt. If anybody questions me, I am ready to answer".