A large rally that was to be held today in support of Sarath Fonseka was abruptly cancelled after it was believed that it would interfere with the ongoing discussions between President Rajapaksa and Tiran Alles regarding the release of Fonseka from prison, the Peoples Movement to Free General Sarath Fonseka said today.

The movement’s convener Kumara Alagiyawanna said that Fonseka had made a request to cancel the rally and said he believed that government officials had influenced him in his decision.
 
Discussions between the president and Alles have been going on for six months, and it was felt that the rally would interfere with the discussion process, he said.

However, he said, the movement did not believe that discussions would lead to Fonseka’s release. “It is only if we fight that we will be able to pressure the authorities to release him. No discussions will bring about his release,” he said.

“While they are filing new cases against him, what hope is there of his release through negotiations? We do not believe in them,” he said.

The rally that was to be held today was expected to be attended by over 2,000 Fonseka supporters and well-wishers, including political party leaders.  (Olindhi Jayasundere)