**Sri Lanka’s armed forces chief Sarath Fonseka, who helped secure the defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels in May, has resigned, opposition politicians say.**Gen Fonseka is reportedly considering challenging President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an election to be held before April. He is due to make a speech shortly.
The resignation was swiftly accepted by the president, a political source told the BBC on condition of anonymity.
Speculation of a rift between the two men has been rife in recent months.