Former Army Commander Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka today made a startling accusation at former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, alleging that he was responsible for the death of a soldier during his army career.

Speaking at a special press conference held in Colombo this morning, Fonseka said that Rajapaksa was serving in the Singha Regiment at the time of the said incident.

He went into the forest one day with a group of soldiers but it was not for a military operation, Fonseka said.

While in the forest, a soldier complained of chest pains, and Rajapaksa ordered him to be dragged on the ground, Fonseka claimed. He also claimed that Rajapaksa kicked the soldier while he was being dragged.

The soldier ultimately died, enraging the other soldiers, who then assaulted Rajapaksa, Fonseka also claimed.

Rajapaksa stayed on in the army only through pulling some political strings, Fonseka went on to say.

Fonseka challenged Rajapaksa to proove if he was wrong, claiming that he has proof of Rajapaksa's wrongdoing.