07 March, 2010 - Published 12:17 GMT

Fonseka 'on hunger strike'

The wife of Sri Lanka's detained former army chief, Sarath Fonseka, says he will refuse to eat from Sunday to protest at being denied access to a telephone.

Anoma Fonseka said her husband was prevented from speaking to his daughters, who are currently overseas.

Sri Lanka military spokesman Maj Gen Prasad Samarasinghe said there was no obligation to provide General Fonseka with a telephone.

The general is in military custody, accused of plotting to overthrow the government. He denies the allegation.