If it could be proved that former Army Chief and defeated presidential candidate Gen. Sarath Fonseka had not violated the law, he would be released, President Mahinda Rajapaksa told Opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at a meeting between the two leaders at Temple Trees yesterday.

Sources said when the Opposition Leader pointed out that tension was building up in the country over the arrest and detention of Gen. Fonseka, the President said, investigations would be expedited and there was no need for anyone to worry about Gen. Fonseka.

Gen. Fonseka, the President said, had ready access to the Supreme Court, and his wife, his lawyers and several others were free to visit him.

The President said there was nothing personal against Gen. Fonseka and his arrest had to do with charges that he had violated the law. He said Gen. Fonseka had access to best of medical care from the Sri Lanka Army and his security was taken care of, the President said.

Sources said that in response to a request from the Opposition Leader whether anyone other than Mrs. Anoma Perera could take food to Gen. Fonseka, the President had said that it was a matter for the army commander to decide and jokingly quipped, "I think the best person to take food to him is his wife if it is OK by her."

The meeting between the President and the Opposition Leader lasted for about an hour, according to sources.