Top film director Somaratne Dissanayake yesterday urged Mahanayakas not to take sides and make statements that could allow politicians with vested interests to gain mileage.

Addressing a press conference at the Information Department in Colombo in connection with the recent arrest of former Army Chief Sarath Fonseka, he said that the Mahanayakas’ remarks could have a huge impact on the society.

"Being a sensitive public, if a weeping wife asks for justice, everybody would be disturbed but the law is equal to everyone irrespective of power and position," he pointed out.

Dissanayake said many people now knew why Fonseka was arrested under the military law. At the same time, he pointed out that Shiranthi Rajapaksa too would have been weeping if Fonseka had won the Presidential election because there was a plot to assassinate President Rajapaksa.

As responsible citizen, Fonseka should have known better about the civil law and military law, said Dissanayake.

Unlike the civil law, the military law is very strict and discipline plays a crucial role in it. Fonseka was forcibly arrested by using various means because he refused to co-operate with officials, he added.

Versatile actor Sriyantha Mendis said he was in the US during the Presidential elections and was pleased to hear John McCain statement, supporting President Barrack Obama.

Citing recent incidents in the Courts Security Zone premises, Mendis urged the public not to be carried away by rumours and get involved in damaging public properties.

Veteran Musician Rohana Weerasinghe and film director Renuka Balasooriya also spoke.

Courtesy: Island