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Sri Lanka Army

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Nation Salutes War Veteran, General Sarath Fonseka (Retd) Conferring Field Marshal Rank


Sri Lankan Nation on Sunday (22), saluted the leadership, commitment and gallantry of General G.S.C Fonseka RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc (Retd) by conferring the rank of Field Marshal on him at the Ministry of Defence grounds during a State ceremony, presided by President Maithripala Sirisena, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The state investiture ceremony of promotion on this charismatic military leader par excellence who spearheaded the culmination of the three-decade long ruthless terrorism, aided by Navy and Air Force troops, was graced by religious dignitaries, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Ministers, Secretaries, State Ministers, Diplomats, Parliamentarians, Chief of Defence Staff, Tri-Service Commanders, Inspector General of Police, Director, Civil Defence Force, Tri-Service Senior Officers, distinguished invitees and a huge gathering of people of all walks of life, drawn from every corner of the island.

The five-star rank, Field Marshal, introduced for the first time to the Armed Forces of the country in Sri Lanka, is considered the top most slot in the line of military promotions which is regarded as a non-retiring rank in the military literature and serves a fitting tribute to this military colossus who made both the Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka proud by crushing ruthless terrorism during his tenure as the 18th Commander of the Army before his retirement in 2009.

Sunday’s (22) state ceremony began with the screening of a short documentary on the military life of this brave officer, to be followed by arrivals of Director, Civil Defence Force, Inspector General of Police, Air Force, Navy and Army Commanders and the Chief of Defence Staff, Secretary Defence, Secretary to Prime Minister, Secretary to President with their spouses respectively.

As the tri-service military parade was brought to attention, arrival of the Prime Minister, Hon Ranil Wickramasinghe and the Chief Justice, took place in sequence.

The much-awaited Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Maithripala Sirisena was afterwards welcomed in the formal President’s Salute and the Guard of Honour after he was conducted to the dais. General Sarath Fonseka was afterwards invited to take up position before the President as the assembly was set to witness the climax of the day.  

Proclaiming the official citation to the distinguished gathering, Secretary Defence, B.M.U.D Basnayake read it out and outlined the series of reasons that qualified the former Chief of Defence Staff for investiture of this honorary rank for the first time in the history of Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces.

Sharp at 4.15 p.m. President Sirisena presented the ceremonial sceptre (baton), symbolic of the investiture of the Field Marshal rank to the day’s protagonist, War Hero, Sarath Fonseka as everyone present stood up in honour.

As one more segment of the day’s itinerary, the unfurling of the Field Marshal flag which symbolizes the office of the Field Marshal, occurred. President thereafter delivered his speech to the occasion, in which he recalled the memories of War Heroes in the annals of our history who fought against invaders and foreign adversaries with sheer determination and patriotism.

“General Sarath Fonseka who has been promoted to the Field Marshal rank throughout his military career as a war veteran of the highest calibre, has done his best for defence of the country, with the support of Navy, Air Force, Police and Civil Defence Force War Heroes. His outstanding military leadership brought peace and happiness to the people of this country and the sacrifices he made and our War Heroes made, are remembered for ever,” the President told the ceremony.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka afterwards received the best wishes of his family members and other well-wishers after he marched back to his seat. 
 
The day’s state event came to an end with a street line greeting gesture, conducted in keeping with age-old military formalities as Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, amid cheers of his well-wishers, lined up to leave the place.      

A representative gathering of religious dignitaries of all major faiths were also associated with the state ceremony. (See Medals & Service Profile of Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka Below


MEDALS OF FIELD MARSHAL G.S.C FONSEKA RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc

1.    Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) - Awarded to all ranks of the three services for individual associated acts of bravery in the face of the enemy and performed voluntarily.

2.    Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) - Awarded to all ranks of the three services for distinguished conduct in the face of the enemy.  

3.    Vishishta Seva Vibushanaya (VSV) - Awarded to the Senior Officers of the Regular Forces of the three services for exceptional, distinguished and loyal service. 

4.    Utthama Seva Padakkama (USP) - Awarded to all ranks of the three services (Regular) for valuable service and dedication to duty in exceptional ability, merit and exemplary conduct.

5.    Desha Puthra Sammanaya - Awarded to all ranks of the three services wounded in action in the face of the enemy.

6.    East Humanitarian Operation Medal - To be awarded to all Military Personnel on active service along with civil medical officers  and their staff, Police personnel, civilians, who were employed by the services and actively took part in the execution of the East Humanitarian Operation during the period from 28 July, 2006 to 10 July, 2007.

7.    North Humanitarian Operations Medal - To be awarded to all Military Personnel in active service along with civil medical officers and their staff, Police personnel, civilians, etc who were employed by the services and actively took part in the execution of the North Humanitarian Operation during the period from 26 February, 2007 to 18 May, 2009.

8.    Purna Bhumi Padakkama - Awarded to all ranks of the three services who have served in the districts of Jaffna, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu, Mannar, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ampara for a period specified in the regulations made.

9.    North & East Operations Medal - Awarded to all ranks of the three services who have served an accumulated period more than three years in operational areas.

10.    Vadamarachchi Operation Medal - Awarded to all ranks of the three services who were actively involved in the military operations in the Vadamarachchi area.

11.    Riviresa Campaign Service Medal - Awarded to all ranks of the three services who were in active service, the civilians employed by the three services (served in Jaffna peninsula) and the civil medical officers and their staff (served in Jaffna peninsula for 7 days or more) during the period from 17 October 1995 to 05 December 1995 and recommended by the respective Commanders.

12.    Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Services Medal - Awarded to all ranks in the services (Regular / Volunteer) who were in the service beginning 22 May, 1972. 

13.    50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal- Awarded to all ranks of the three services (Regular / Volunteer) personnel who were in active service as at 04 February 1998 and recommended by the respective service commanders.

14.    Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal - Awarded to all ranks of the Army (Regular / Volunteer) personnel who were in active service as at 10 October, 1999.

15.    Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal - Awarded to all ranks of the three services who have completed 12 years service as defined in the regulations made and whose character and conduct have been irreproachable.

16.    President’s Inauguration Medal - Awarded to all ranks of the three services (Regular / Volunteer) personnel who were in service by 4 February, 1978. 

FIELD MARSHAL G.S.C FONSEKA RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc

The infant, Gaardihewa Sarath Chandralal Fonseka was born to parents, Mrs Piyawathi and Mr Gaardihewa Peter Fonseka of Ambalangoda on 18 December 1950.

He was admitted to Ampara Madawalalanda Maha Vidyalaya in 1955 and Hiniduma Thawalama Vidyalaya for basic education and after a lapse of two years, he entered Ambalangoda Dharmashoka Vidyalaya in 1958 where he studied until the year 1965. Afterwards, he received admission to Colombo Ananda College where he emerged as a prominent student, not only in education but also in the field of athletics and sports. He brought fame to his college as a skilled swimmer and a shining water polo sportsman. He also was the Sergeant in the cadet platoon at Ananda College.   

Upon completion of his schooling, he enlisted to the Sri Lanka Army on 5 February 1970 as a Cadet Officer, thus laying the foundation stone for his rise to be the first ever Field Marshal in the history of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Having entered the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa as a Cadet Officer, he was successfully commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (1 SLSR) on 1 June 1971.

From there onwards, 2nd Lieutenant Sarath Fonseka in his unit as a platoon commander effectively served in various areas of the island, displaying the prospects of becoming a full-pledged officer in the future, to be in keeping with the popular Sinhala adage, ‘Hedena Gaha Depeththen Dene’ (Budding petals of the sapling assure its healthy growth) and won commendation for his committed services from his superiors.

After receipt of promotion as Lieutenant on 5 February 1973, he left for India to follow Commando Course in May, the same year. Lieutenant Sarath Fonseka after his return to Sri Lanka, continued with his duties and received the promotion to the rank of Captain in 1976, through his untiring dedication and commitment to the service. Captain Sarath Fonseka in 1978 and 1979 further expanding his military horizons, followed the Anti Terrorist Jungle Warfare Course and the Support Arm and Weapon Course in India on two separate occasions. After his successful completion of those training projects, he again left for Pakistan in 1981 to attend the Platoon Commanders Course as a Major. He was promoted to the rank of Major in 1980.

During his tenure in 1 Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (1 SLSR), he had the privilege of serving as an Instructor at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Ampara Combat Training School and Infantry Training Centre, and later as the Chief Instructor, Deputy Commandant in the same training institutes. Major Sarath Fonseka after successful completion of the Defence Services Command and Staff Course in Bangladesh in 1987, returned home to take over duties as Commanding Officer, 4 Sri Lanka Light Infantry.  

Elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 15 October 1988, he was appointed the Commanding Officer for 1 Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment on 6 May 1989 at Ambepussa SLSR Headquarters.

The Army Headquarters, considering political unrest that prevailed at that time in the country, appointed Colonel Sarath Fonseka to be the Coordinating Officer for Gampaha District, in which he performed a noteworthy role, using his warfare, professional and educational experience for the sake of the country. Likewise, the contribution he unfailingly made towards the ‘Balawegaya’ operation, launched against LTTE terrorists, went on record as one of the most distinguished and exceptional one in his capacity as a Brigade Commander.

Promoted to the rank of Colonel on 1 April 1991, Colonel Sarath Fonseka did a stint as the Center Commandant, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment at Ambepussa beginning 7 November 1991 again after a respite from his operational ground duties. Thereafter, Colonel Sarath Fonseka served as Staff Officer I at the Directorate of Operations at the Army Headquarters.

With the gradual escalation of the terrorist menace, he who had been by then recognized as a fierce warrior, was again summoned for ground operational duties and subsequently deployed as the General Officer Commanding of the 23 Division. In the meantime, Colonel Sarath Fonseka sustained injuries in a terrorist attack, forcing him to be away from the battlefield, which was regarded as an irreparable loss at that point of time to the battlefield. However, his speedy recovery after a short while enabled him to rejoin the operations after some time.

Promoted to the rank of Brigadier on 1 December 1993, Brigadier Sarath Fonseka was again appointed to the Operational Headquarters at Colombo, but considering his warfare experience, strategies and knowledge which he would have inherited from his birth perhaps, Brigadier Sarath Fonseka was once again deployed in the theatre of ground operations in the battlefield after a short while.

Brigadier Sarath Fonseka, thus redeployed in operational areas served as Commander - Area Headquarters, Mannar, General Officer Commanding, 5 Division Mannar, General Officer Commanding, 21 Division, Deputy Commander, Task Force I, General Officer Commanding, 3 Division in Batticaloa, General Officer Commanding, 27 Division in Kilinochchi, Coordinating Officer for Kayts and Mandattivu, Deputy General Officer Commanding, 51 Division in Jaffna, General Officer Commanding, 23 Division in Polonnaruwa, Overlooking General Officer Commanding Vavuniya Task Force - 2, 55 Division General Officer Commanding at Mirusuvil and many other appointments in operational areas. He pioneered victories secured in Riviresa and Jayasikuru operations against terrorists with the support of the troops he commanded.

On 23 February 1998, he received his promotion to the rank of Major General and on 2 September, the same year, he became the Colonel of the Regiment, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. During that interim period, he was also appointed the General Officer Commanding, 22 Division and Director General General Staff at the Army Headquarters, one of the most senior appointments in the Army.

The onset of the year 2000 commenced with severe escalation of fighting between the Sri Lanka Army and LTTE terrorists. Meanwhile, terrorists, preparing initial ground work had launched attempts through their ‘unwavering waves’ operation to capture the Jaffna peninsula. This well-organized terrorist move was challenged and defused by indispensable officer of the Army, Major General Sarath Fonseka as Commander, Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna, forcing the terrorists to flee from the area, unable to face the stiff resistance of the effective strategies of the Army.

After those triumphant operations, Major General Sarath Fonseka was posted to fill the vacancy at the Security Force Headquarters - Wanni as its Commander.

While serving the Security Force Headquarters - Wanni, he proceeded to follow the Royal College of Defence Studies (rcds) course and returned afterwards to the island to assume office as Commandant, Defence Service Command and Staff College at Sapugaskanda on 5 February 2002 and concurrently as the Colonel of the Regiment, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment once again.

During 2003 - 2004, Major General Sarath Fonseka served as Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force Headquarters and was later on appointed as Director Infantry, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff respectively as his military career matured.

After his appointment as 18th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 6 December 2005, he was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General, clearing the way for him to totally take control of ongoing ground operations and the challenge of wiping out terrorism from the motherland.

Shouldering the arduous and most formidable task and responsibilities of freeing the country, to which was born, from terrorist grips, onto himself upon his assumption of office as the Commander of the Army, he meticulously devised necessary ground plans for necessary military offensives and operations. The attempted suicide LTTE attack on his life inside the Army Headquarters on 25 April 2006, brought about a turning point in his own life and the subsequent conduct of the warfare against the foe, although he sustained critical injuries as a result of the terrorist blast at the Army Headquarters.

The merits he had acquired and blessings the country has had invoked on him miraculously spared his life after treatment he received in several countries which was indeed regarded a resurrection from the dead. He was thus twice blessed to have been able to rejoin anti terrorism operations after his recovery and return to the battlefield.

With the abrupt closure of the Mavilaru sluice gates by terrorists, the then existent cease-fire agreement, turned null and void and that saw the birth of the first Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka - commanded humanitarian operation that provided relief to the beleaguered poor people in the region after re-opening the sluice gates for vital water. His undisputed and unparalleled command and guidance enabled troops to march forward afterwards capturing LTTE-held Sampoor, Vakarai, Thoppigala and the whole of eastern region respectively.

At the end of ground operations in the east, his command spread to areas, like Mannar, Silawathura and the Wanni region. It afterwards directed towards the Nandikandal lagoon.

Finally, over two and half year-long Wanni humanitarian operations, resulted in the elimination of the ruthless LTTE terrorist leader who reigned supreme on 19 May 2009 in Nandikandal.

He emerged an icon in the 30-year long fighting history against the island’s LTTE terrorism, particularly because Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, managed to succeeded in total elimination of violence within a span of less than three years upon his assumption of the reigns as the Commander of the Army in Sri Lanka’s contemporary history.

Recognizing this unmatched victory over terrorism, he was subsequently promoted to the four star General and afterwards he was elevated to the office of Chief of Defence Staff on 15 July 2009. After his illustrious and unmatched 39 years of military career, this fearless War Hero par excellence, retired from the service on 14 November 2009.

General Fonseka was awarded the highest gallantry medals, Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) in recognition of his selfless and unparalleled heroism, bravery and commitment in the fight against terrorism. Deshaputhra medal has also been conferred on him following injuries he sustained during military operations.

He also was the recipient of Vishishta Seva Vibushana (VSV), Uththama Seva Padakkama (USP) and many other operation medals. Eastern Humanitarian Operations Medal, Northern Humanitarian Operations Medal, Purnabhoomi Padakkama, North and East Operations Medal, Vadamarachchi Medal, Riviresa Operation Medal, 50th Independence Day Anniversary Medal (1998), Army Anniversary Medal (1999), Republic Medal for Armed Forces (1972), President’s Investiture Medal (1978), etc are among other medals that recognized his distinguished military career.