Sri Lankan general hints at seeking office

Colombo: Sri Lanka's top general bid farewell to his uniform yesterday and said he will announce a decision on entering politics within two to three days, amid speculation he may seek the presidency.

General Sarath Fonseka, widely credited for the army's dominant role in winning a 25-year war with the Tamil Tiger rebels, had announced last week his resignation as Chief of Defence Staff, accusing president Mahinda Rajapakse of unjustly sidelining him over unfounded coup fears.

"Today I'm bidding farewell to the uniform," Fonseka said yesterday after signing an official document quitting as Sri Lanka's top military officer.

Asked about a possible move into politics, he said: "I expect to announce my future steps in two or three days. I will be serving the country in the future."

The main opposition United National Party and the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) have united in fanning speculation they will back Fonseka as a common candidate and antidote to Rajapakse's dominating post-war popularity.