Speaking to journalists in the parliament complex he said that crimes committed in the battle field or operational area, should be exposed.

"Hiding war criminals is not patriotism," he said.

In earlier instances, General Fonseka claimed, legal action has been taken against military personal who committed war crimes.

General Fonseka, who stood against President Mahinda Rajapakse in recent elections, is currently under arrest awaiting court martial.

Crimes against Tamils

In April, he won a parliamentary seat and Thursday he was allowed to attend parliament where he made the remarks.

"If anyone has committed war crimes against the Tamil youth they should be definitely punished, regardless of their status," he added.

Courts on Wednesday ordered military Commander Jagath Jayasuriya to produce General Sarath Fonseka in court next Wednesday over a war crimes allegation published in a Sunday newspaper about the final days of the war.

UN call

The United Nations and human rights groups are calling for an investigation of alleged war crimes during the final army offensive against the Tamil Tiger rebels last year.

Meanwhile the government agrees that crimes against humanity should be investigated and punished.

Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya, defence spokesman Luxman Hulugalla said, "if there are any officers who have committed human rights violations, they should be punished."