Former Army Commander Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka today responded strongly to Police informant Namal Kumara describing him as a "mad man" , making wild allegations for cheap publicity. 

Kumara, speaking to media on Wednesday, said Fonseka was the closest political friend of DIG Nalaka Silva who is now under investigation for attempting to assassinate President Maithripala Sirisena. He also said Fonseka, a senior Cabinet minister, was also involved in the conspiracy although he had no evidence to prove it. 

Fonseka, publishing Namal Kumara's claims, said the man, a former employee of the Presidential Secretariat, needed mental treatments. .

"I have met Nalaka Silva only once and that was after he became a DIG. You don't conspire to kill a President with someone on the first meeting, do you?"  Fonseka said. 

The former Army Commander also stated he would never play a behind-the-scenes role in any operation. 

"I am not used to attacking behind the scenes. I operate openly and always lead from the front. I have no reason to hide behind a DIG."

Meanwhile, DIG Nalaka Silva has been remanded till November 07 over the alleged conspiracy to kill President Sirisena.