Fonseka sworn in as MP

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, April 22 (UPI) -- Sri Lanka's former military chief Sarath Fonseka, freed from custody briefly Thursday to be sworn as a lawmaker, called for rule of law in the country.

Fonseka, hailed as a hero after the military defeated the Tamil Tiger rebels a year ago to end the 26-year-old civil war, has been in custody since President Mahinda Rajapaksa defeated him in the January presidential election.

"The nation requires democracy, rule of law, personal freedom and freedom for the media," the Press Trust of India quoted Fonseka as saying. He was allowed to speak as one of the party leaders after the election of the speaker.

Fonseka contested as an opposition candidate in the parliamentary elections earlier this month while in custody and won. He faces court martial on charges of alleged political activities while in uniform and for violations of military procurement procedures, but he has denied the charges.

Colombo Page reported Fonseka was escorted to parliament under heavy security. The report said he will continue in detention, but will be allowed to attend parliamentary sessions.

CNN reported President Rajapaksa was to have inaugurated the parliament session but that was called off with no immediate government explanation.

Rajapaksa's ruling coalition fell six seats short of securing a two-thirds majority in the elections to the 225-seat parliament.