Former allies turned bitter rivals

In an exclusive interview to BBC Sandeshaya on Thursday the former military chief speaking from home said that the Sri Lankan government has "informed the airport not to allow me to leave the country".

Alleging that security authorities in Sri Lanka have ordered to reduce his security detail, "This indicates an assassination attempt on me" said, General Fonseka.

The leading opposition candidate was speaking from home after leaving a hotel that was surrounded by the military.

'Preventive measures'

While the defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said the soldiers at the hotel were simply part of a nationwide effort to prevent post-electoral violence, General Fonseka said that it was meant to threaten his life.

There is no law and order in this country. They are planning to assassinate me   Sarath Fonseka

"We went to the hotel because there was a threat to my life," he told BBC Sandeshaya.

"There is nothing we can do about it. There is no law and order in this country. They are planning to assassinate me."

Speaking to journalists when he was in the hotel on Tuesday, Gen. Fonseka said that he had no option other than "fight back or surrender".

A group of army deserters were arrested over an alleged plot to assassinate President Mahinda Rajapaksa   Defence.lk

After leaving the hotel later in the day and reaching home he said, "I will ensure that I will meet the aspirations of the people. But I have to take necessary precautions on and off to survive".

'Plot to kill Rajapaksa'

Meanwhile Director General of Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Lakshman Hulugalle said that a group of army deserters were arrested over an alleged plot to assassinate President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka's ministry of defence website quoted the Director General claiming, if there is adequate evidence to prove that General (retired) Sarath Fonseka too was involved, he too would be taken in to the custody.