India's opposition leader, Sushma Swaraj, appealed to the Sri Lankan president on Wednesday for the immediate release of opposition leader and election rival, General Sarath Fonseka.

[Sushma Swaraj, Indian Opposition Leader]:
"India is the largest democracy. And democracy in Sri Lanka is also mature. And we want that those democratic traditions should be upheld in Sri Lanka. But the way General Fonseka has been arrested and detained is violative of those traditions. We request the President of Sri Lanka, Shri Mahinda Rajapaksa to ensure the safety and well-being of General Fonseka and release him immediately."

Tensions have risen in Sri Lanka since Fonseka was arrested on Monday. He was charged for engaging in politics against his president Mahinda Rajapaksa while still in uniform.

Fonseka lost to Rajapaksa in a January presidential election.