Fonseka to position of 'Field Marshal' today

Fonseka to position of 'Field Marshal' today

The former commander of the army, and leader of the Democratic Party General Sarath Fonseka

is to receive his official 'baton' for the elevation to the rank of 'Field Marshal' at a special ceremony to be held today at the premises of the defense ministry. Among the guests would be the President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, cabinet ministers  members of parliament of the government, the Commanders of the three forces and officials of the three armed forces.

The ceremony will commence by according  a joint parade by the three forces to welcome the President.The President will thereafter hand over the 'baton' of the 'Field Marshal' position to General Sarath Fonseka. This is the highest position and rank that could be accorded to any army officer. General Sarath Fonseka will grace this historic occasion clad in his commander army uniform.

This Field Marshall rank is a 'five star' position. This is also the highest position a forces personnel could be elevated to in any armed force in the world.This position is permanent, not pensionable but a life time rank. This rank of Field Marshall is given for the yeoman services rendered by General Sarath Fonseka battling with the LTTE for 30 years while serving the army in various ranks. During his tenure as commander General Sarath Foseka had used all his experience, skills and masterminded all attacks to destroy the common enemy, LTTE to bring freedom to the country sans a war.