Sri Lanka ex-general seeks security boost ahead of poll bid

By Ranga Sirilal and Shihar Aneez

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's top soldier, who quit the army last week sparking speculation he planned to run for president, petitioned the Supreme Court on Tuesday to order the government to provide him with massively increased security.

General Sarath Fonseka, widely credited for the army's defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels in May, asked the courts to provide him 600 security personnel, at least 10 escort vehicles, two bullet-proof vehicles and secured quarters for the rest of his life.

"There has been much speculation in the news media about the possibility of the petitioner entering the field of politics," said Fonseka's petition, seen by Reuters.

"In fact, the petitioner intends to engage in politics."

Fonseka had said his life is under threat from the remnants of Tamil Tiger rebels at home and abroad.

He currently has a 62-strong personal security detail and three escort vehicles, including one armoured, the petition said.

Fonseka is expected to announce his candidacy to challenge President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the country's leadership in elections expected sometime in January.

The main opposition United National Party and the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, despite widely differing ideologies, have said they will jointly back Fonseka as a candidate able to overcome Rajapaksa's post-war popularity. (Editing by David Fox)