Soon after his return from the three day official visit to Russia, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided to dissolve Parliament with effect from midnight tonight. Presidential secretariat sources said that the gazette to proclaim the dissolution has been sent for printing.<br/><br/>The term of the present Parliament, which came into being in 2004 was schedule to end in April. Our Colombo correspondent says that in all likelihood Parliament election would take place by second week of April.<br/><br/>With an unassailable lead of nearly 18 per cent in the election, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headed by Mr. Rajapaksa and the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) that he leads has a clear edge over the divided and battered opposition.<br/><br/>However, it is to be seen as to what impact the present detention of the former Army Chief and the defeated opposition Presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka would have on the General election.<br/><br/>Earlier, the Former Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka was taken into custody on Monday night on charges of committing alleged fraud and military offences, has been provided with full security and protection under detention.<br/><br/>The Army in a press release said in Colombo that his lawyer as well as his family have been given unhindered access to the detainee and full medical assistance, as required has been offered, as indicated by him. It further says that any officer or soldier who commits offence and taken into military custody is to be tried and punished for by a Court Martial under Section 57 of the Army Act. It said necessary legal action will be taken against him in accordance with the provisions in the Army Act.<br/>