Thousands march in Colombo to protest against the jailing of ex-army chief Sarath Fonseka. Fonseka was elected to parliament but was stripped of that position after being sentenced to jail.

Thousands of protesters shouted slogans condemning the Sri Lankan president and his government on Monday.

The protest was organized by the People's Movement for Democracy -- an alliance of trade unions, civil society groups and opposition parties led by former army chief Sarath Fonseka.

Fonseka was sentenced to 30 months hard labor by a second court-martial, after a first ruled that he be stripped of his rank and pension for conducting politics in uniform.

It marks yet another low moment for the career soldier, who was once glorified alongside President Rajapaksa after leading the army to victory over the Tamil Tiger rebels, ending 25 years of civil war in May 2009.

Fonseka later fell out with the president after he allegedly plotted a coup to overthrow the president.

Fonseka quit the army to run against his former commander-in-chief but lost the election, despite being elected to parliament.

And last week Sri Lanka's parliament revoked Fonseka's parliamentary seat.

Fonseka's party has vowed to challenge the move.

Fonseka's wife spoke to protesters outside the jail where her husband is being held.

[Anoma Fonseka, General Fonseka's Wife]:
"This jail houses human beings -- people with a conscience. When you compare the animals who shout on the other side in parliament, these people have a heart."

Fonseka still faces two civilian criminal cases.