Sri Lankan Chief of Defence Staff Sarath Fonseka, the architect of the military offensive that led to the annihilation of the LTTE, on Thursday quit his post and is widely tipped to be the Opposition candidate for the presidential elections next year.

Gen Fonseka’s likely entry in the fray would pose a serious challenge to the re-election of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was hoping for a cakewalk after the rebel Tamil Tigers were wiped out by the Army in May.

“He (Fonseka) has given a letter seeking to relinquish his duties as Chief of Defence Staff,” said Defence spokesman and senior cabinet minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

“I have decided to retire from service. I will decide if I am going to enter politics once I officially hand over my uniform,” the 58-year-old Army General told reporters after visiting a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya near here.

After the civil war ended in May, Gen Fonseka, who was the Army Chief, was promoted as Chief of Defence Staff, largely a ceremonial post.

Sri Lanka is set for parliamentary and presidential polls before April 2010. Media reports here had been suggesting over the last week that Gen Fonseka has emerged as the consensus presidential candidate of an alliance of Opposition parties.

Gen Fonseka has not commented on the reports.

Senior Opposition Leader Lakshman Kiriella said it is the “ideal time” for Fonseka to join Opposition forces. “It is just a beginning for Fonseka and politics is a long journey. He should join the Opposition forces and work together,” he said.

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