General Fonseka Elevated to the Field Marshal
General Sarath Fonseka, Sri Lanka’s army chief during the 2006-2009 eelam War IV, has been made Field Marshal in recognition of the pivotal role he played in defeating the world ruthless Tamil terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). President Maithripala Sirsena conferred the title on him at a ceremony here on Sunday.
Fonseka is the fourth South Asian General to be made Field Marshal, the others being General Sam Maneckshaw and K.M.Cariappa of India, and Gen.Mohd.Ayub Khan of Pakistan.
Fonseka had won laurels for the way he conducted the war against the LTTE Tamil terrorism. He abandoned conventional ways, matched the ingenious tactics and strategies of the LTTE, fully utilized the superior numerical strength and fire power of the armed forces, and kept up pressure on the enemy. He broke tradition by insisting on the full deployment of naval and air power to aid the war on land.
Fonseka broke army units into small groups of eight, and made these highly trained and motivated men infiltrate Tiger-held areas, track down the fighting cadres of the LTTE Tamil terrorists and eliminate them. He transformed the Lankan army from a defensive outfit to an offense force.
The entire function replete with military traditions which awarded the highest Army rank has turned a new page in the annals of the country today.
A prearranged video documentary on the General Fonseka was screened at the outset of the function. Following to the announcement of the Citation by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr. BMUD Basnayake, President Maithripala Sirisena presented the Field Marshal baton to the General GSC Fonseka ceremonially. In the meantime, Field Marshal Flag was also hoisted to mark the conferment of the rank.
Speaking at the event President Sirisena recalled on the heroic deeds of the valiant war heroes those who brought eternal peace to the country. Further praising the unswerving military leadership of the Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, President also recalled on the heroic ancient Sri Lankan kings those who brought immense credit in the past. President said that, our nation with its proud history records many heroic, gallant and unparalleled victorious achievements. Among them were internal conflicts as well as external invasions. All Sri Lankans during those challenges fearlessly stood together, showing patriotism and bravery by setting an example to the rest of the world, he added.
President lauded on the timely and the correct application of his expertise knowledge and military skills during the humanitarian operation. In concluding President noted that, “we should construct the future while taking the past as an example”.
Field Marshal Fonseka’s triumphant military career spanned for almost four decades had immensely contributed to the Sri Lanka war against the LTTE Tamil terrorists. Under his go-getting command, Army conducted a victorious battle against the ruthless LTTE Tamil terrorists in Sri Lankan war while operating troops successfully to liberate North and East regions in 2009.
The significant conquests achieved by the Sri Lankan Army during this war under the proactive military leadership of Field Marshal Fonseka convinced the entire nation a new sense of confidence on him and accordingly his service was also came under the praise of the populace.
During the peak of the battle and all through the humanitarian operation he played the integral role to conclude the three decade long Sri Lankan war in 2009 while defeating the cruel LTTE leadership.
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