Sarath Fonseka becomes first Field Marshal in SL

Monday, 23 March 2015 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka was yesterday promoted to the rank of Field Marshal by President Maithripala Sirisena. The ceremony at which he was bestowed with this title was held at the Defence Ministry grounds yesterday. General Fonseka is the first Sri Lankan to be given this title. He is conferred the rank in recognition of the brave soldier's distinguished achievements during a career in the Sri Lanka Army over a period of three decades (from 1970 onwards) culminating in as Commander of the Army from December 2005-15 July 2009, which included the last stages of the war against the LTTE. At the time General Sarath Fonseka retired, he was one of the most highly-decorated Army officers. During his career in the Army, the coveted awards and decorations the four-star General had won included Rana Wickrama Padakkama (Combat Gallantry Medal), Rana Sura Padakkama (Combat Excellence Medal), Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya (Distinguished Service Decoration), Uttama Seva Padakkama (Meritorious Service Medal)Riviresa Campaign Services Medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, North and East Operations Medal, Desha Putra Sammanaya and several others. His decision to retire after being appointed as Chief of Defence Staff after the civil war ended in May 2009, which he saw as an attempt to sideline him was followed by a series of events in quick succession: unsuccessfully contesting the 2010 presidential election, getting elected to Parliament from the Colombo District, losing the Parliamentary seat when he had to serve a three-year prison sentence after being convicted by a military Court for alleged irregularities in Army procurements, released from prison after two years, back in politicssupporting Maithripala Sirisena at the 2015 January presidential election, and given a complete presidential pardon with civic rights, rank and decorations restored by President Sirisena. Pix by Shantha Ratnayake