Court to review original footage of former Sri Lanka army commander's speech

A Sri Lankan court today has decided to view the original video footage taken by a private media institution on the controversial 'white flag' case against former Army Commander and Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader Sarath Fonseka.

Colombo High Court Judge Deepali Wijesundera, who heads the three-judge bench hearing the case, today announced that the bench has decided to view the original Derana TV recording of the speech made by Fonseka on December 24, 2009 at a presidential election rally at Ratnapura.

Earlier the court said it would accept an edited version of the video evidence in the case against Fonseka, despite objections raised by the defence.

Defence Attorney Nalin Ladduwahetty had objected to the edited video footage saying the original copy of the speech should be presented to court when the court met on December 16, 2010.

Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Buvaneka Aluvihare told the court that the Derana TV hasthe original telecast of the speech and would be made available to the court. The prosecution plans to produce it as evidence in the case.

The three-judge bench comprising judges Deepali Wijesundera, W.P.B.M. Warawewa and M.Z Razeen had decided to view the original footage.