Devaluing the Field Marshall title
Posted on March 20th, 2015
Courtesy The Nation
Rumors are afloat that following the victory of Maithripala Sirisena at the last presidential election, former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka would be rewarded for support extended by being made Sri Lanka’s first Field Marshall. Fonseka, was promoted to the rank of ‘General’ after the defeat of the LTTE. Other service chiefs were also promoted. Fonseka later fell foul with the then regime and was stripped of his rank.
Two questions are being asked. First, what has Sarath Fonseka done since being made General to deserve a further promotion? Secondly, did Fonseka defeat the LTTE all by himself, i.e. without the support of the Navy and the Air Force?
When Fonseka was stripped of his title, all promotions were immediately put on hold. If that freeze is being removed to benefit Fonseka, it is argued in certain quarters, then the promotion of others in the Navy and Air Force also should be considered.
Those well versed in military affairs observe that rewarding a military person for services rendered in the political arena would set a very bad precedent and further exacerbate the already serious problem of politicizing the military. It would devalue the title of ‘Field Marshall,’ they add.
March 21st, 2015 at 3:50 am
Now we are showing signs of turning in to a banaan republic. Shows the cowerdice of my3 to succumb to pressure from him. Sarath fonseka was full of talk about the general public and serving them but now all what we see is self service!
becoming the laugh of the out side world. India and China two of the largest armies of the world still does not have a field marshal.
Entitlement to a Field marshal is mind boglling and if by chance the other two force commanders too get the Same promotion that will be enough to run the country in to bankcruptcy.
March 21st, 2015 at 4:21 am
JOHN MARAYATUNGA will also be made a field marshall soon.
What a joke is this govt. Rewarding POLITICAL henchmen. No difference to MR but at least GR never gave military titles to politicians.
March 21st, 2015 at 4:39 am
Actually, by popular choice Commander Mahinda Rajapakse shall be a made the field marshal.