Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka urges the public not to attack the current government, warning that doing so could revive the corrupt Rajapaksa political network and derail Sri Lanka’s recovery
Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has issued a stern warning to the public, urging them not to openly criticize the current government even if they are dissatisfied—citing fears that doing so could pave the way for the return of what he called the “Rajapaksa-led corrupt ring.”
Speaking at a public rally in Kalutara, Fonseka highlighted that Sri Lanka now ranks 133rd out of 147 nations in the global happiness index, a dire reflection of the country’s economic collapse, poor governance, and systemic corruption.
Fonseka, a decorated military leader and former presidential candidate, did not mince words when he blamed decades of political mismanagement for Sri Lanka’s fall. “Since independence, no leader has had a true vision to lead this country forward,” he said. Instead, he claimed, the nation has been controlled by an entrenched corrupt network that dictates the importation of fertilizer, fuel, medicine, and coal, profiting from essential goods at the expense of the people.
He singled out the Rajapaksa family and their network of wealthy allies as the founding architects of this system of exploitation.
Fonseka said that although there may be dissatisfaction with the current administration, now is not the time to attack it. “If we weaken this government with criticism, the only winners will be the old corrupt forces trying to stage a comeback,” he warned.
According to Fonseka, Sri Lanka’s first priority must be to eliminate the old political mafias before turning the lens of accountability toward the existing leadership. Only after dismantling these entrenched power structures, he said, should the public push for reforms and critique governance issues.
His comments were made during a speech delivered at a public gathering organized by the Movement Against Corruption and Fraud for Democracy, National Security, and One Law for All, a campaign rallying for clean governance and equal justice in Sri Lanka.
