Former Sri Lankan army chief joins ruling party

Former Sri Lankan army chief Sarath Fonseka joined the ruling United National Party (UNP) on Thursday.

Fonseka obtained the party membership from party leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe at the headquarters of the UNP, a UNP spokesman said.

The former army commander contested the last year's parliamentary election but failed to secure enough votes to enter the parliament.

In February Fonseka, who was the leader of his own political party, was given a vacant seat in the parliament.

The decision was taken when the UNP Working Committee met to decide on the seat left vacant following the demise of another legislator.

Fonseka's Democratic Party and the ruling UNP had then reached an agreement to work together. Fonseka was also made a minister in the government.

The move however drew angry reactions from minority Tamil political parties and human rights groups.

Fonseka has been accused by human rights groups of being involved in war crimes during the final stages of the civil war.

He led the army during the final battle against Tamil Tiger rebels, which eventually led to the defeat of the rebels in May 2009 after 30 years of war. Endit