Fonseka to continue in politics while protecting respect

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka says he will continue to engage in active politics while safeguarding the respect for his new uniform.  

He also vowed to take a stand against any threats to the country’s security.

Former army commander Sarath Fonseka was conferred the country’s highest military rank of Field Marshal for “achieving the victory over terrorism.”

President Maithripala Sirisena awarded the honourary title to retired Gen Fonseka at an official ceremony at Army Head Quarters in Colombo on Sunday.

He said ensuring justice for the 64-year-old former army chief was a “responsibility undertaken by the government in our quest for justice for the whole of the army.”

Fonseka, who became the first Sri Lankan to receive the title, was stripped of his rank, pension and medal he received during his 40-year career, and jailed after he unsuccessfully tried to challenge former President Mahinda Rajapksa’s re-election bid in 2010.

But, the new government used its executive powers to drop all charges against Fonseka, who led Sri Lankan troops to victory over the Tamil Tigers in 2009.