Colombo, Jan 27 (ANI): The Sri Lankan army on Wednesday surrounded the hotel occupied by presidential challenger retired General Sarath Fonseka.

Heavily armed Lankan troops were deployed around the lake-front luxury hotel in Central Colombo after reports that army deserters were among 400 people present inside the building.

Television reports had earlier warned that Fonseka was conspiring against the victory of President Mahinda Rajapakse. Fonseka had earlier told the media that there was a threat to his life and he would be shot dead on stepping out of the hotel.

Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, said, ” We don’t know whether these suspected army deserters are providing security or are associated with Gen (retd.) Sarath Fonseka.”

Brigadier Nanayakkara, however, made it clear that Fonseka was not being targeted.

“There is no restriction on Sarath Fonseka and he is free to leave the hotel,” he added.

Mahinda Rajapakse has reportedly won 60 percent of the votes counted so far. (ANI)