Revision as of 10:30, 25 July 2024 editHamwal (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users2,797 editsNo edit summary← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 12:15, 6 December 2024 edit undoDesert lumberjack (talk | contribs)392 editsNo edit summaryTag: Visual edit | ||
(40 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown) | |||
Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
{{EngvarB |date=June 2018}} | {{EngvarB |date=June 2018}} | ||
{{Infobox officeholder | {{Infobox officeholder | ||
| honorific_prefix = ] | |||
| birth_name = Gardihewa Sarath Chandralal Fonseka | | birth_name = Gardihewa Sarath Chandralal Fonseka | ||
| native_name = {{lang|si|සරත් ෆොන්සේකා}} <br /> சரத் பொன்சேகா | | native_name = {{nobold|{{lang|si|සරත් ෆොන්සේකා}} <br /> சரத் பொன்சேகா}} | ||
|honorific_suffix = {{postnominals|country=SRI|size=100%|sep=,|RWP|RSP|VSV|USP}} | |||
| image = File:Fonseka Press Conference.jpg | | image = File:Fonseka Press Conference.jpg | ||
| alt = | | alt = | ||
Line 24: | Line 26: | ||
| predecessor2 = '''Office Established''' | | predecessor2 = '''Office Established''' | ||
| successor2 = ] | | successor2 = ] | ||
| office3 = |
| office3 = Chairman of ] | ||
| predecessor3 = |
| predecessor3 = | ||
| successor3 = | | successor3 = | ||
| term_start3 = 10 February |
| term_start3 = 10 February 2020 | ||
| term_end3 = | | term_end3 = 9 August 2024 | ||
| constituency_MP4 = ] | | constituency_MP4 = ] | ||
| parliament4 = Sri Lanka | | parliament4 = Sri Lanka | ||
Line 35: | Line 37: | ||
| successor4 = | | successor4 = | ||
| term_start4 = 20 August 2020 | | term_start4 = 20 August 2020 | ||
| term_end4 = | | term_end4 = 24 September 2024 | ||
| constituency_MP5 = ] | | constituency_MP5 = ] | ||
| parliament5 = Sri Lanka | | parliament5 = Sri Lanka | ||
Line 65: | Line 67: | ||
| death_place = | | death_place = | ||
| alma_mater = ]<br/>] | | alma_mater = ]<br/>] | ||
| party = ] {{small|(2009–2010){{efn|Only for the ]}}}}<br />] {{small|(2010–2013)}}<br />]<br />{{small|(2013–2016)}}<br />]<br />{{small|(2016–2020)}}<br />] {{small|( |
| party = ] {{small|(2009–2010){{efn|Only for the ]}}}}<br />] {{small|(2010–2013)}}<br />]<br />{{small|(2013–2016)}}<br />]<br />{{small|(2016–2020)}}<br />] {{small|(2020-2024)}} | ||
| religion = | | religion = | ||
| relations = | | relations = | ||
| spouse = ] | | spouse = ] | ||
| children = |
| children = 2 | ||
| residence = | | residence = | ||
| occupation = ]<br />] | | occupation = ]<br />] | ||
Line 81: | Line 83: | ||
| serviceyears = 1971–2009 | | serviceyears = 1971–2009 | ||
| rank = ] ] | | rank = ] ] | ||
| battles = ],<br />] | | battles = ],<br />] | ||
| commands = ]<br/>]<br/>]<br />] | | commands = ]<br/>]<br/>]<br />] | ||
| mawards = {{plainlist | | | mawards = {{plainlist | | ||
Line 92: | Line 94: | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Sarath Fonseka''' ( |
] '''Gardihewa Sarath Chandralal Fonseka''' (born 18 December 1950) is a politician and retired ]n army officer. He was the eighteenth ], and under his command the ] ended the 26-year ] in 2009, defeating the militant group ]; he thereafter briefly served as the ].<ref name=Defence> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407185900/http://www.defence.lk/main_abt.asp?fname=CDS_General |date=7 April 2015 }}, Ministry of Defence, Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref> After retiring from the Army with the rank of General, he entered politics as the common opposition candidate in the ] contesting against President ]. | ||
Following his controversial defeat in the presidential election he was elected to Parliament in the general election that followed. Soon after he was made a political prisoner and lost his parliamentary seat.<ref name=hero>, By Somar Wijayadasa, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref> - ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name=Khaleej>, ] (UAE), Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref> Fonseka supported ] in the ], and, following his victory, the newly appointed President Sirisena gave Fonseka a full pardon, reinstating his civic rights, military rank and decorations. Later he was promoted to the newly created rank of ] on 22 March 2015, becoming the first ] officer to be promoted to the rank.<ref name=elevated>, Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka), Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name=Portal> NEWS.LK (The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka), Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name=Express> - P.K.Balachandran, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/sri-lanka-promotes-former-general-who-defeated-tigers-to-field-marshal-idUSKBN0MI0N9/|title=Sri Lanka promotes former general who defeated Tigers to field marshal|author=Shihar Aneez|website=]|date=23 March 2015}}</ref> | Following his controversial defeat in the presidential election he was elected to Parliament in the general election that followed. Soon after he was made a political prisoner and lost his parliamentary seat.<ref name=hero> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924125014/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100919/News/nws_16.html |date=24 September 2015 }}, By Somar Wijayadasa, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330163341/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Sarath-Fonseka-becomes-Lankas-first-field-marshal/articleshow/46656265.cms |date=30 March 2015 }} - ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name=Khaleej>, ] (UAE), Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref> Fonseka supported ] in the ], and, following his victory, the newly appointed President Sirisena gave Fonseka a full pardon, reinstating his civic rights, military rank and decorations. Later he was promoted to the newly created rank of ] on 22 March 2015, becoming the first ] officer to be promoted to the rank.<ref name=elevated> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405095552/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Gen_GSC_Fonseka_elevated_to_the_rank_of_Field_Marshal_20150322_01 |date=5 April 2015 }}, Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka), Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name=Portal> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402153853/http://www.news.lk/news/sri-lanka/item/6710-sarath-fonseka-to-be-bestowed-with-field-marshal-title |date=2 April 2015 }} NEWS.LK (The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka), Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name=Express> - P.K.Balachandran, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/sri-lanka-promotes-former-general-who-defeated-tigers-to-field-marshal-idUSKBN0MI0N9/|title=Sri Lanka promotes former general who defeated Tigers to field marshal|author=Shihar Aneez|website=]|date=23 March 2015}}</ref> | ||
On 9 February 2016, he was appointed to Parliament as a ] and served in the ] from 2016 to 2018 as Minister of Regional Development and thereafter as Minister of Wildlife and Sustainable Development until the ]. | On 9 February 2016, he was appointed to Parliament as a ] and served in the ] from 2016 to 2018 as Minister of Regional Development and thereafter as Minister of Wildlife and Sustainable Development until the ]. | ||
Fonseka had joined the ] in 1970 and was commissioned as a ] in June 1971 and rose through the ranks while completing training stints across ] and in the ]. He saw extensive action throughout the 26-year civil war and over the years acquired a reputation as a tough battlefield commander and was often in the thick of the action in fighting against the ], culminating in a term as Commander of the Army from 6 December 2005 – 15 July 2009.<ref name=Frontline>, D.B.S. JEYARAJ ], Volume 17 - Issue 10, May. 13 - 26, 2000, Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name=early>, Shanika SRIYANANDA, ], Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref><ref name="FM1">, army.lk, Retrieved 25 March 2015</ref> As commander, he oversaw the ] of the ], which resulted in the total defeat of the militant ]. He also survived an assassination attempt when an LTTE suicide bomber attacked his motorcade in April 2006.<ref name=Sydney>, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name=Medical> By Chinthaka Fernando, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name=Taught>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/22/AR2009052202033.html|title=Mia Bloom – What the Tigers Taught Al-Qaeda|newspaper=]|date=24 May 2009 }}</ref> Following the end of the war Fonseka was promoted to a ] in the Sri Lanka Army, becoming the first serving army commander to hold a four star rank.<ref name="Service Commanders">. Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order, Retrieved on 18 May 2009</ref> He has been described as Sri Lanka's most successful army commander.<ref name=Khaleej/><ref>, Charles Haviland, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name="Victory">{{cite book|title=Lost Victory: The Rise & Fall of LTTE Supremo, V. Prabhakaran|author=Mehta, Maj. Gen. (Retd) Raj K.|year=2010|pages=13, 118, 330–338, 360–8, 377, 380, 401–11|publisher=Pentagon Press|isbn=978-8182744431}}</ref><ref name=Review> By Major General (Retired) Lalin Fernando, Asian Tribune, Retrieved 18 May 2015</ref> | Fonseka had joined the ] in 1970 and was commissioned as a ] in June 1971 and rose through the ranks while completing training stints across ] and in the ]. He saw extensive action throughout the 26-year civil war and over the years acquired a reputation as a tough battlefield commander and was often in the thick of the action in fighting against the ], culminating in a term as Commander of the Army from 6 December 2005 – 15 July 2009.<ref name=Frontline> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829162222/http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1710/17100100.htm |date=29 August 2016 }}, D.B.S. JEYARAJ ], Volume 17 - Issue 10, May. 13 - 26, 2000, Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name=early> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010064559/https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/21/sec20.asp |date=10 October 2024 }}, Shanika SRIYANANDA, ], Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref><ref name="FM1"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402133226/http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=9469 |date=2 April 2015 }}, army.lk, Retrieved 25 March 2015</ref> As commander, he oversaw the ] of the ], which resulted in the total defeat of the militant ]. He also survived an assassination attempt when an LTTE suicide bomber attacked his motorcade in April 2006.<ref name=Sydney> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830033126/http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/sri-lankas-top-general-wounded-in-suicide-attack/2006/04/25/1145861341920.html |date=30 August 2017 }}, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name=Medical> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205639/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/archive/20060507/politics.htm |date=3 March 2016 }} By Chinthaka Fernando, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name=Taught>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/22/AR2009052202033.html|title=Mia Bloom – What the Tigers Taught Al-Qaeda|newspaper=]|date=24 May 2009|access-date=30 October 2017|archive-date=18 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218172856/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/22/AR2009052202033.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the end of the war Fonseka was promoted to a ] in the Sri Lanka Army, becoming the first serving army commander to hold a four star rank.<ref name="Service Commanders">. Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order, Retrieved on 18 May 2009</ref> He has been described as Sri Lanka's most successful army commander.<ref name=Khaleej/><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010064602/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30912331 |date=10 October 2024 }}, Charles Haviland, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref name="Victory">{{cite book|title=Lost Victory: The Rise & Fall of LTTE Supremo, V. Prabhakaran|author=Mehta, Maj. Gen. (Retd) Raj K.|year=2010|pages=13, 118, 330–338, 360–8, 377, 380, 401–11|publisher=Pentagon Press|isbn=978-8182744431}}</ref><ref name=Review> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617191036/http://asiantribune.com/news/2012/06/02/lalins-column-review-gota%E2%80%99s-war-final-revised |date=17 June 2015 }} By Major General (Retired) Lalin Fernando, Asian Tribune, Retrieved 18 May 2015</ref> | ||
A few months after the defeat of the Tamil Tigers, Fonseka was appointed [[Chief of the Defence Staff (Sri Lanka)| | A few months after the defeat of the Tamil Tigers, Fonseka was appointed [[Chief of the Defence Staff (Sri Lanka)| | ||
Chief of Defence Staff]] by President ]. While his new post was of a higher rank, Fonseka saw the move as an attempt to sideline him. Amid rumours of his desire to enter politics, he subsequently retired from the post on 16 November 2009.<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8361862.stm|title=S Lanka army head leaves abruptly|last=Haviland|first=Charles|date=16 November 2009|publisher=BBC News|access-date=22 January 2010}}</ref><ref name="BBC News November">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8356570.stm|title=Sri Lanka military chief resigns|date=12 November 2009|publisher=BBC News|access-date=22 January 2010}}</ref> On 29 November 2009, Fonseka formally announced his candidature in the ]. His candidacy was endorsed by the main opposition parties, and Fonseka became the main opposition candidate challenging President Rajapaksa. He campaigned under the sign of a swan, and the slogan ''Vishvasaniya Venasak'' (A Credible Change). | Chief of Defence Staff]] by President ]. While his new post was of a higher rank, Fonseka saw the move as an attempt to sideline him. Amid rumours of his desire to enter politics, he subsequently retired from the post on 16 November 2009.<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8361862.stm|title=S Lanka army head leaves abruptly|last=Haviland|first=Charles|date=16 November 2009|publisher=BBC News|access-date=22 January 2010|archive-date=19 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091119100745/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8361862.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC News November">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8356570.stm|title=Sri Lanka military chief resigns|date=12 November 2009|publisher=BBC News|access-date=22 January 2010|archive-date=10 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010064447/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8356570.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 November 2009, Fonseka formally announced his candidature in the ]. His candidacy was endorsed by the main opposition parties, and Fonseka became the main opposition candidate challenging President Rajapaksa. He campaigned under the sign of a swan, and the slogan ''Vishvasaniya Venasak'' (A Credible Change). | ||
Following his election defeat, Fonseka was arrested on 8 February 2010, and the government announced he would be ]ed for committing "military offences".<ref>, Media Center for National Security</ref><ref name=Lion> - D.B.S. Jeyaraj (Daily Mirror) Retrieved 14 February 2016</ref> He was convicted for corrupt military supply deals and sentenced to three years in prison.<ref> AFP – 17 September 2010</ref> | Following his election defeat, Fonseka was arrested on 8 February 2010, and the government announced he would be ]ed for committing "military offences".<ref>, Media Center for National Security</ref><ref name=Lion> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213094201/http://www.dailymirror.lk/105390/The-night-the-Ambalangoda-Lion-roared-defiance |date=13 February 2016 }} - D.B.S. Jeyaraj (Daily Mirror) Retrieved 14 February 2016</ref> He was convicted for corrupt military supply deals and sentenced to three years in prison.<ref> AFP – 17 September 2010</ref> | ||
After serving more than 2 years in prison, Fonseka was released amidst local and international pressure on 21 May 2012.<ref name=Express/><ref name=chief>, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref> As per the pre-election statement, President ], gave him the complete presidential pardon and acquitted him of all the charges against him on 22 January 2015, restoring his civic rights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news.lk/news/business/item/5835-sarath-fonseka-acquitted-of-all-charges|title=Sarath Fonseka acquitted of all charges|website=www.news.lk}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30912331|title=Sri Lanka rehabilitates top general|work=BBC News|date=21 January 2015}}</ref> | After serving more than 2 years in prison, Fonseka was released amidst local and international pressure on 21 May 2012.<ref name=Express/><ref name=chief> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010064446/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/23/ex-army-chief-sarath-fonseka-jailed-for-treason-made-field-marshal-in-sri-lanka#img-1 |date=10 October 2024 }}, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref> As per the pre-election statement, President ], gave him the complete presidential pardon and acquitted him of all the charges against him on 22 January 2015, restoring his civic rights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news.lk/news/business/item/5835-sarath-fonseka-acquitted-of-all-charges|title=Sarath Fonseka acquitted of all charges|website=www.news.lk|access-date=21 April 2019|archive-date=21 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421151058/https://www.news.lk/news/business/item/5835-sarath-fonseka-acquitted-of-all-charges|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30912331|title=Sri Lanka rehabilitates top general|work=BBC News|date=21 January 2015|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=10 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010064447/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30912331|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
On 29 June 2024, Fonseka launched his own written book titled ''The Army Commander’s Promise to the Nation – I will not leave this war to the next Army Commander''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://island.lk/president-chief-guest-at-field-marshal-sarath-fonsekas-book-launch/|title=President chief guest at Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka's book launch|website=island.lk|date=29 June 2024|access-date=31 July 2024|archive-date=10 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010064458/https://island.lk/president-chief-guest-at-field-marshal-sarath-fonsekas-book-launch/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | On |
||
⚫ | On 25 July 2024, he had announced his candidacy in the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/amp/breaking-news/Sarath-Fonseka-announces-Presidential-candidacy/108-288019|title=Sarath Fonseka announces Presidential candidacy|website=www.dailymirror.lk|date=25 July 2024|access-date=25 July 2024|archive-date=25 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725040557/https://www.dailymirror.lk/amp/breaking-news/Sarath-Fonseka-announces-Presidential-candidacy/108-288019|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
⚫ | ==Early life== | ||
⚫ | ==Early life== | ||
Fonseka was born on 18 December 1950 in the coastal town of ] in the south of Sri Lanka. His father was Peter Fonseka, a school principal and his mother Egodage Piyawathie De Silva was a teacher. He initially attended Madawalalanda Maha Vidyalaya (1955–1957) in ],<ref>. Lanka Truth, Retrieved on 7 January 2010.</ref> later receiving his secondary education from ] (1958–1965) and ] (1966–1969). Fonseka represented his alma mater in ], swimming and ] events. He was the college swimming and water polo captain in 1969 and later represented the ] and the country in these sports.<ref name=Defence/> He was a ] of the ].<ref>, Rasika SOMARATNA, ], Retrieved 4 May 2015</ref><ref name=inspires>, ], Retrieved 4 May 2015</ref> | Fonseka was born on 18 December 1950 in the coastal town of ] in the south of Sri Lanka. His father was Peter Fonseka, a school principal and his mother Egodage Piyawathie De Silva was a teacher. He initially attended Madawalalanda Maha Vidyalaya (1955–1957) in ],<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713184317/http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4235:general-fonseka-visits-his-first-school-in-ampara-meets-classmate&catid=35:local&Itemid=50 |date=13 July 2011 }}. Lanka Truth, Retrieved on 7 January 2010.</ref> later receiving his secondary education from ] (1958–1965) and ] (1966–1969). Fonseka represented his alma mater in ], swimming and ] events. He was the college swimming and water polo captain in 1969 and later represented the ] and the country in these sports.<ref name=Defence/> He was a ] of the ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505040801/http://archives.dailynews.lk/2009/07/03/Sup.asp?id=s13 |date=5 May 2015 }}, Rasika SOMARATNA, ], Retrieved 4 May 2015</ref><ref name=inspires> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003552/http://archives.dailynews.lk/2009/07/03/Sup.asp?id=s17 |date=5 May 2015 }}, ], Retrieved 4 May 2015</ref> | ||
==Military career== | ==Military career== | ||
Line 122: | Line 125: | ||
===Eelam War I=== | ===Eelam War I=== | ||
In 1987, he graduated from ], ] in Bangladesh. On his return was appointed ], ] and participated in the ].<ref>, ], Retrieved 6 April 2015</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412215715/http://oaaj.org/speech.html |date=12 April 2015 }}, Old Anandians Web Japan, Retrieved 6 April 2015</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419044136/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090703_07 |date=19 April 2015 }}, Ministry of Defence, Retrieved 6 April 2015</ref> The following year he was promoted to ] and appointed Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment in 1989. | In 1987, he graduated from ], ] in Bangladesh. On his return was appointed ], ] and participated in the ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010065100/https://www.sundaytimes.lk/090628/Plus/sundaytimesplus_08.html |date=10 October 2024 }}, ], Retrieved 6 April 2015</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412215715/http://oaaj.org/speech.html |date=12 April 2015 }}, Old Anandians Web Japan, Retrieved 6 April 2015</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419044136/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090703_07 |date=19 April 2015 }}, Ministry of Defence, Retrieved 6 April 2015</ref> The following year he was promoted to ] and appointed Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment in 1989. | ||
With the onset of the ], he was appointed as military coordinating officer for ].<ref name="FM1"/> Fonseka reputedly devised the plan which led to the capture of ] and gained a reputation for his ] treatment of detainees.<ref>, By D.B.S.Jeyaraj, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref> | With the onset of the ], he was appointed as military coordinating officer for ].<ref name="FM1"/> Fonseka reputedly devised the plan which led to the capture of ] and gained a reputation for his ] treatment of detainees.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402093220/http://www.dailymirror.lk/62597/fsp-leader-kumar-gunaratnam-fought-a-guerilla-war-against-the-indian-army |date=2 April 2015 }}, By D.B.S.Jeyaraj, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref> | ||
===Eelam War II=== | ===Eelam War II=== | ||
Line 138: | Line 141: | ||
In 1995, Brigadier Fonseka won widespread plaudits for his role in ] - the army's operation to capture Jaffna town from the Tamil Tigers.<ref name=inspires/> He played a major role in ].<ref name="FM1"/> In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of ]. He was appointed ] of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. Serving as General Officer Commanding, ] and ], ] at the Army Headquarters. | In 1995, Brigadier Fonseka won widespread plaudits for his role in ] - the army's operation to capture Jaffna town from the Tamil Tigers.<ref name=inspires/> He played a major role in ].<ref name="FM1"/> In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of ]. He was appointed ] of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. Serving as General Officer Commanding, ] and ], ] at the Army Headquarters. | ||
In 2000, with the imminent fall of ], Major General Fonseka was rushed in as Commander, ] and successfully defended the ] from the massive offensive ] launched by the LTTE.<ref name=Frontline/><ref name=early/><ref name=Guardian>, By Keerthi Ratnayaka, ], Retrieved 31 March 2015</ref> Thereafter he served as Commander, ]. From May 2002 to November 2003 after he was again appointed the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters - Jaffna, Fonseka strengthened the defences of Jaffna<ref name=early/><ref name=inspires/><ref name=Guardian/><ref name=HSZ> by Shamindra Ferdinando, ], Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref><ref>, By Walter Jayawardhana, (LankaWeb), Retrieved 31 March 2015</ref><ref> The Sunday Times, Retrieved 24 February 2016</ref><ref> South Asia Terrorism Portal, Retrieved 24 February 2016</ref> and launched a new training programme for the ].<ref name="The Man of the Moment">, Business Today, Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref><ref name=Innovations> by LTC (Retired) Ivan Welch, U.S. Army Infantry Magazine, Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref><ref name=Analysis> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328123409/http://futuredirections.org.au/files/1266992558-FDIStrategicAnalysisPaper-12February2010.pdf |date=28 March 2015 }}, Sergei DeSilva-Ranasinghe, Future Directions International, Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref> | In 2000, with the imminent fall of ], Major General Fonseka was rushed in as Commander, ] and successfully defended the ] from the massive offensive ] launched by the LTTE.<ref name=Frontline/><ref name=early/><ref name=Guardian> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402154901/http://www.slguardian.org/?p=15274 |date=2 April 2015 }}, By Keerthi Ratnayaka, ], Retrieved 31 March 2015</ref> Thereafter he served as Commander, ]. From May 2002 to November 2003 after he was again appointed the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters - Jaffna, Fonseka strengthened the defences of Jaffna<ref name=early/><ref name=inspires/><ref name=Guardian/><ref name=HSZ> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303193244/http://slwaronterror.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/jaffna-hsz-reduced-further.html |date=3 March 2016 }} by Shamindra Ferdinando, ], Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402134315/http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items03/160203-2.html |date=2 April 2015 }}, By Walter Jayawardhana, (LankaWeb), Retrieved 31 March 2015</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010064950/https://www.sundaytimes.lk/021229/columns/sitrep.html |date=10 October 2024 }} The Sunday Times, Retrieved 24 February 2016</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427183218/http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/shrilanka/document/papers/MG_sarath.htm |date=27 April 2017 }} South Asia Terrorism Portal, Retrieved 24 February 2016</ref> and launched a new training programme for the ].<ref name="The Man of the Moment"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402001905/http://businesstoday.lk/cover_page.php?issue=202#sthash.cqHoVGsC.dpuf |date=2 April 2016 }}, Business Today, Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref><ref name=Innovations> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923184123/http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/magazine/issues/2013/May-June/Welch.html |date=23 September 2015 }} by LTC (Retired) Ivan Welch, U.S. Army Infantry Magazine, Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref><ref name=Analysis> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328123409/http://futuredirections.org.au/files/1266992558-FDIStrategicAnalysisPaper-12February2010.pdf |date=28 March 2015 }}, Sergei DeSilva-Ranasinghe, Future Directions International, Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref> | ||
Thereafter he attended the ] in London and on his return he was appointed Commandant, ].<ref name="FM1"/> In 2003, he was appointed Commandant, ] and in 2004 he was appointed Director Infantry, Deputy Chief of Staff and then ]. In December 2005 he was appointed Commander of the Army by president Mahinda Rajapaksa and was promoted to the rank of ].<ref name="The Man of the Moment"/> | Thereafter he attended the ] in London and on his return he was appointed Commandant, ].<ref name="FM1"/> In 2003, he was appointed Commandant, ] and in 2004 he was appointed Director Infantry, Deputy Chief of Staff and then ]. In December 2005 he was appointed Commander of the Army by president Mahinda Rajapaksa and was promoted to the rank of ].<ref name="The Man of the Moment"/> | ||
====Suicide bomb attack and attempted assaisnation==== | |||
{{See also|Chaminda Ruwan Yakandawala}} | {{See also|Chaminda Ruwan Yakandawala}} | ||
On 25 April 2006, Lt. General Fonseka survived an LTTE suicide bomb attack on his unarmored ] by a pregnant LTTE operative named Anoja Kugenthirarasah who infiltrated Army Headquarters by attending the regular maternity clinic provided for civilians at the military hospital.<ref name=Taught/><ref>, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref>, ], Retrieved on 30 April 2006.</ref> Fonseka was gravely wounded in the attack along with his ]; while nine others, including members of his security detail were killed.<ref name=Sydney/> The General was rushed to the ] within minutes. This had been possible because the attack took place next to the Army Hospital and therefore an ambulance was at hand. Fonseka was conscious upon admittance and had communicated with his officers and the doctors. The general, who was unconscious following emergency surgery, was put on a ventilator and regained consciousness on 30 April 2006.<ref name=Medical/> He was later transferred to the ] at Army Headquarters and subsequently flown to ] for medical treatment.<ref name=reassumes>, Ministry of Defence website, Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref> Years later, in 2016 Fonseka requested President ] to take steps towards releasing the person imprisoned in connection with his attempted assassination.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jayawardhane|first1=Kalathma|title=Release person imprisoned over my suicide attack: SF|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/107028/Release-person-imprisoned-over-my-suicide-attack-SF|publisher=Daily Mirror|access-date=31 March 2016}}</ref> | On 25 April 2006, Lt. General Fonseka survived an LTTE suicide bomb attack on his unarmored ] by a pregnant LTTE operative named Anoja Kugenthirarasah who infiltrated Army Headquarters by attending the regular maternity clinic provided for civilians at the military hospital.<ref name=Taught/><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703125615/https://www.tamilguardian.com/content/fonseka-still-critical-after-suicide-bomb-attack?articleid=632 |date=3 July 2022 }}, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref>, ], Retrieved on 30 April 2006.</ref> Fonseka was gravely wounded in the attack along with his ]; while nine others, including members of his security detail were killed.<ref name=Sydney/> The General was rushed to the ] within minutes. This had been possible because the attack took place next to the Army Hospital and therefore an ambulance was at hand. Fonseka was conscious upon admittance and had communicated with his officers and the doctors. The general, who was unconscious following emergency surgery, was put on a ventilator and regained consciousness on 30 April 2006.<ref name=Medical/> He was later transferred to the ] at Army Headquarters and subsequently flown to ] for medical treatment.<ref name=reassumes> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402173652/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20060731_09 |date=2 April 2015 }}, Ministry of Defence website, Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref> Years later, in 2016 Fonseka requested President ] to take steps towards releasing the person imprisoned in connection with his attempted assassination.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jayawardhane|first1=Kalathma|title=Release person imprisoned over my suicide attack: SF|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/107028/Release-person-imprisoned-over-my-suicide-attack-SF|publisher=Daily Mirror|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=20 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320002827/http://www.dailymirror.lk/107028/Release-person-imprisoned-over-my-suicide-attack-SF|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===Eelam War IV=== | ===Eelam War IV=== | ||
After recovering from his wounds, Lt. General Fonseka resumed his duties in July 2006.<ref name=reassumes/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4941744.stm|title=Bomb targets Sri Lanka army chief|publisher=BBC News|date=25 April 2006}}</ref> Fonseka has been described as the mastermind of the military ] behind the military victory in Sri Lanka's three-decade war against terrorism.<ref name=Khaleej/><ref name="Victory"/><ref name=Review/><ref name=24s> by Shamindra Ferdinando, ], Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref><ref> By Tissa Ravindra Perera, The Nation, Retrieved 18 May 2015</ref> He abandoned conventional methods, matched the ingenious ] and strategies of the LTTE, fully utilized the superior numerical strength and fire power of the Sri Lankan 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 and succeeded in getting the support of the other service commanders. | After recovering from his wounds, Lt. General Fonseka resumed his duties in July 2006.<ref name=reassumes/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4941744.stm|title=Bomb targets Sri Lanka army chief|publisher=BBC News|date=25 April 2006|access-date=25 December 2009|archive-date=30 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930114505/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4941744.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Fonseka has been described as the mastermind of the military ] behind the military victory in Sri Lanka's three-decade war against terrorism.<ref name=Khaleej/><ref name="Victory"/><ref name=Review/><ref name=24s> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102442/http://www.island.lk/2009/06/08/news3.html |date=4 March 2016 }} by Shamindra Ferdinando, ], Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603213203/http://www.nation.lk/2009/07/19/militarym.htm |date=3 June 2015 }} By Tissa Ravindra Perera, The Nation, Retrieved 18 May 2015</ref> He abandoned conventional methods, matched the ingenious ] and strategies of the LTTE, fully utilized the superior numerical strength and fire power of the Sri Lankan 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 and succeeded in getting the support of the other service commanders. | ||
Fonseka broke army units into small groups and made these highly trained and motivated men who infiltrated Tiger-held areas, tracked down the fighting cadres of the LTTE and eliminated them.<ref name=early/><ref name=24s/> He transformed the Sri Lankan army from its defensive posture to an offence force.<ref name=Express/><ref name="Victory"/> Along with his proactive military leadership, the battle-hardened commander changed military strategy in preparations before the war such as changing the training and ethos of the ]<ref name="The Man of the Moment"/><ref name=Innovations/><ref name=Analysis/> and preparing the defences in the north.<ref name=elevated/><ref name=Portal/><ref name=Guardian/><ref name=HSZ/> He empowered the frontline soldier, breaking the norms of conventional military attitude.<ref name="Victory"/><ref name=Innovations/> In 2007, Fonseka introduced the ].<ref> By Shamindra Ferdinando, ], Retrieved 18 May 2015</ref><ref>{{usurped|1=}} by D.B.S.Jeyaraj, transcurrents, Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref><ref>, Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka), Retrieved 23 May 2015</ref> | Fonseka broke army units into small groups and made these highly trained and motivated men who infiltrated Tiger-held areas, tracked down the fighting cadres of the LTTE and eliminated them.<ref name=early/><ref name=24s/> He transformed the Sri Lankan army from its defensive posture to an offence force.<ref name=Express/><ref name="Victory"/> Along with his proactive military leadership, the battle-hardened commander changed military strategy in preparations before the war such as changing the training and ethos of the ]<ref name="The Man of the Moment"/><ref name=Innovations/><ref name=Analysis/> and preparing the defences in the north.<ref name=elevated/><ref name=Portal/><ref name=Guardian/><ref name=HSZ/> He empowered the frontline soldier, breaking the norms of conventional military attitude.<ref name="Victory"/><ref name=Innovations/> In 2007, Fonseka introduced the ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518103434/http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=11939 |date=18 May 2015 }} By Shamindra Ferdinando, ], Retrieved 18 May 2015</ref><ref>{{usurped|1=}} by D.B.S.Jeyaraj, transcurrents, Retrieved 17 May 2015</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605041838/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080128_10 |date=5 June 2015 }}, Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka), Retrieved 23 May 2015</ref> | ||
Fonseka changed the reactionary nature of the Army and formulated a plan that would end the war in a time frame of three years.<ref> By Shamindra Ferdinando, ], Retrieved 21 May 2015</ref> The aim was shifted from capturing ground to destroying the enemy.<ref name=Analysis/><ref name=untold>, By Malik Gunatilleke, ], Retrieved 21 March 2015</ref> He reduced operations conducted along the main roads and expanded the ] in order to disperse the enemy manpower and firepower. To this end he devised the strategy of introducing large numbers of four-man teams to the theater of war, there by reducing military and civilian casualties through dispersion, stealth and precision in operations<ref name="Victory"/><ref name=Innovations/><ref>, ], Retrieved 15 June 2015</ref> and fought the war on multiple fronts.<ref name=Analysis/><ref name=untold/> He inaugurated the northern campaign before the conclusion of the eastern campaign, thereby making it difficult for political intrusion to halt the war.<ref> - Sonali Samarasinghe (The Sunday Leader) Retrieved 14-02-2016</ref><ref> - Manjula Fernando (Sunday Observer) Retrieved 14-02-2016</ref><ref>{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} - V.S. Sambandan (The Hindu) Retrieved 14-02-2016</ref><ref> - TamilNet Retrieved 14-02-2016</ref><ref> - Dharisha Bastians (Daily FT) Retrieved 14-02-2016</ref> | Fonseka changed the reactionary nature of the Army and formulated a plan that would end the war in a time frame of three years.<ref> By Shamindra Ferdinando, ], Retrieved 21 May 2015</ref> The aim was shifted from capturing ground to destroying the enemy.<ref name=Analysis/><ref name=untold> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402132327/http://www.ft.lk/2015/03/10/general-sarath-fonseka-reveals-untold-story-of-eelam-war-iv/ |date=2 April 2015 }}, By Malik Gunatilleke, ], Retrieved 21 March 2015</ref> He reduced operations conducted along the main roads and expanded the ] in order to disperse the enemy manpower and firepower. To this end he devised the strategy of introducing large numbers of four-man teams to the theater of war, there by reducing military and civilian casualties through dispersion, stealth and precision in operations<ref name="Victory"/><ref name=Innovations/><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071926/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20081208/world.htm#9 |date=4 March 2016 }}, ], Retrieved 15 June 2015</ref> and fought the war on multiple fronts.<ref name=Analysis/><ref name=untold/> He inaugurated the northern campaign before the conclusion of the eastern campaign, thereby making it difficult for political intrusion to halt the war.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411222504/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/archive/20070708/spotlight.htm |date=11 April 2016 }} - Sonali Samarasinghe (The Sunday Leader) Retrieved 14-02-2016</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807183556/http://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2016/02/07/sec04.asp |date=7 August 2017 }} - Manjula Fernando (Sunday Observer) Retrieved 14-02-2016</ref><ref>{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} - V.S. Sambandan (The Hindu) Retrieved 14-02-2016</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010065103/https://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?artid=16433&catid=13 |date=10 October 2024 }} - TamilNet Retrieved 14-02-2016</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222123959/http://www.ft.lk/2015/01/06/opposition-speak-out-ahead-of-crucial-vote/ |date=22 February 2016 }} - Dharisha Bastians (Daily FT) Retrieved 14-02-2016</ref> | ||
General Fonseka opted instead to attack the LTTE's strongest areas and opted for performance over seniority and selected officers with experience in the field.<ref name="The Man of the Moment"/><ref name=untold/> He restructured the Army Intelligence Units which proved vital for the ] and the ] to destroy LTTE ships, commanders and other targets.<ref name="Victory"/><ref name=untold/> Fonseka implemented strong measures to improve the discipline in the army, eradicate corruption and wastage. He also reduced the burden on the government and the citizen by the effective management of the resources at his disposal and personally ensured the unimpeded supply of ammunition.<ref name="Victory"/><ref name=untold/><ref>, adaderana.lk, Retrieved 15 June 2015</ref> In January 2009, he was described as the ''best army commander in the world'' by India's ].<ref name=hero/><ref name=early/><ref name="Victory"/> | General Fonseka opted instead to attack the LTTE's strongest areas and opted for performance over seniority and selected officers with experience in the field.<ref name="The Man of the Moment"/><ref name=untold/> He restructured the Army Intelligence Units which proved vital for the ] and the ] to destroy LTTE ships, commanders and other targets.<ref name="Victory"/><ref name=untold/> Fonseka implemented strong measures to improve the discipline in the army, eradicate corruption and wastage. He also reduced the burden on the government and the citizen by the effective management of the resources at his disposal and personally ensured the unimpeded supply of ammunition.<ref name="Victory"/><ref name=untold/><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626174728/http://www.adaderana.lk/news/30254/fonseka-to-continue-in-politics-while-protecting-respect- |date=26 June 2015 }}, adaderana.lk, Retrieved 15 June 2015</ref> In January 2009, he was described as the ''best army commander in the world'' by India's ].<ref name=hero/><ref name=early/><ref name="Victory"/> | ||
;Defeat of the LTTE | ;Defeat of the LTTE | ||
On 18 May 2009, the Sri Lankan military completely defeated the ] after 26 years of civil war.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090518_13|title=He Told the task accomplished|publisher=Official government defence site}} Press Release, Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order.</ref> Fonseka played a key role as Commander of the Army, and is considered as a national hero by the majority of Sri Lankans due to this achievement.<ref>. Telegraph (UK), Retrieved on 17 January 2010.</ref><ref name='economist-general'>{{cite news | title=General intentions | date=19 November 2009 | |
On 18 May 2009, the Sri Lankan military completely defeated the ] after 26 years of civil war.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090518_13|title=He Told the task accomplished|publisher=Official government defence site|access-date=21 May 2009|archive-date=21 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521113638/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090518_13|url-status=live}} Press Release, Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order.</ref> Fonseka played a key role as Commander of the Army, and is considered as a national hero by the majority of Sri Lankans due to this achievement.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518175447/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/srilanka/7005269/Sri-Lankan-warrior-has-president-in-his-sights.html |date=18 May 2017 }}. Telegraph (UK), Retrieved on 17 January 2010.</ref><ref name='economist-general'>{{cite news | title=General intentions | date=19 November 2009 | url=http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14915330 | newspaper=The Economist | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-date=10 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091210033131/http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14915330 | url-status=live }}</ref> He was soon after promoted to ],<ref name="Service Commanders"/> becoming the first army commander to hold a ] rank, since it was traditionally awarded to retiring Commanders of the Army. | ||
] in July 2009.]] | ] in July 2009.]] | ||
===Chief of Defence Staff=== | ===Chief of Defence Staff=== | ||
Fonseka was appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) by President Rajapaksa effective 15 July 2009. He was the first person appointed CDS under the newly approved Chief of Defence Staff Act, which was supposed to give the CDS more responsibilities in co-ordinating the armed forces.<ref name=Defence/><ref>, by Melani Manel Perera, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref> | Fonseka was appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) by President Rajapaksa effective 15 July 2009. He was the first person appointed CDS under the newly approved Chief of Defence Staff Act, which was supposed to give the CDS more responsibilities in co-ordinating the armed forces.<ref name=Defence/><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402181038/http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Army-celebrates-60-years-as-bishop-of-Colombo-calls-for-peace-and-harmony-16537.html |date=2 April 2015 }}, by Melani Manel Perera, ], Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref> | ||
===Retirement=== | ===Retirement=== | ||
Line 177: | Line 180: | ||
===Post-war politics=== | ===Post-war politics=== | ||
There were newspaper reports published about Fonseka entering politics after the war victory, beginning in August 2009. One of the articles explains it as follows, "General Fonseka launches political campaign – I will make a supreme sacrifice to defend my land against the politicos who ever they may be joining hands with India. Now we have a daunting task to protect our motherland from India".<ref>. Lanka News Papers, Retrieved on 17 August 2009.</ref> Gen. Fonseka entering politics was a debate even during the war against LTTE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://transcurrents.com/tc/2008/12/post_125.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214051731/http://transcurrents.com/tc/2008/12/post_125.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 December 2008|title=Is Lt.Gen Sarath Fonseka nurturing a Political Ambition After Retirement?}}</ref> | There were newspaper reports published about Fonseka entering politics after the war victory, beginning in August 2009. One of the articles explains it as follows, "General Fonseka launches political campaign – I will make a supreme sacrifice to defend my land against the politicos who ever they may be joining hands with India. Now we have a daunting task to protect our motherland from India".<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820190143/http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/8/46939_space.html |date=20 August 2009 }}. Lanka News Papers, Retrieved on 17 August 2009.</ref> Gen. Fonseka entering politics was a debate even during the war against LTTE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://transcurrents.com/tc/2008/12/post_125.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214051731/http://transcurrents.com/tc/2008/12/post_125.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 December 2008|title=Is Lt.Gen Sarath Fonseka nurturing a Political Ambition After Retirement?}}</ref> | ||
===Presidential candidate=== | ===Presidential candidate=== | ||
Line 183: | Line 186: | ||
Fonseka was installed as the common candidate by a coalition of political parties consisting mainly of the ] and the ] and had the support of former president ]. General Fonseka however declared himself as a non-party candidate. | Fonseka was installed as the common candidate by a coalition of political parties consisting mainly of the ] and the ] and had the support of former president ]. General Fonseka however declared himself as a non-party candidate. | ||
Immediately after declaration that Fonseka was ready for candidacy, President Rajapaksa called for new presidential elections two years before expiration of his term.<ref>{{cite news|title=President Rajapaksa calls for early election|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/president-rajapaksa-calls-for-early-election/545158/|newspaper=Indian Express|date=23 November 2009}}</ref> | Immediately after declaration that Fonseka was ready for candidacy, President Rajapaksa called for new presidential elections two years before expiration of his term.<ref>{{cite news|title=President Rajapaksa calls for early election|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/president-rajapaksa-calls-for-early-election/545158/|newspaper=Indian Express|date=23 November 2009|access-date=19 October 2013|archive-date=13 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813192548/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/president-rajapaksa-calls-for-early-election/545158/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Fonseka, UNP and JVP campaigned claiming he was the real hero who won the war against LTTE and a Fonseka government was ready for good governance along with the support of all the minorities, eliminate prevailing corruption under Mahinda Rajapaka's government and also promised a massive salary increase for public servants which had been denied thus far. They also promised to change the constitution to remove executive powers from the presidency and transfer such powers to the parliament. Further they promised to establish the 17 amendment to authorise independent commissions as a measure to counter the ongoing mishandling of public money.<ref>. indi.ca (7 January 2010). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.</ref><ref>, By Harischandra Gunaratna, The Island, Retrieved 15 June 2015</ref> The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) also endorsed Fonseka.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tamil National Alliance announced support for General Fonseka|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/tamil-national-alliance-announced-support-for-general-fonseka/article75898.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=9 January 2010|location=Chennai, India|first=B. Muralidhar|last=Reddy}}</ref> | Fonseka, UNP and JVP campaigned claiming he was the real hero who won the war against LTTE and a Fonseka government was ready for good governance along with the support of all the minorities, eliminate prevailing corruption under Mahinda Rajapaka's government and also promised a massive salary increase for public servants which had been denied thus far. They also promised to change the constitution to remove executive powers from the presidency and transfer such powers to the parliament. Further they promised to establish the 17 amendment to authorise independent commissions as a measure to counter the ongoing mishandling of public money.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122021332/http://indi.ca/2010/01/sarath-fonsekas-election-manifesto/ |date=22 January 2010 }}. indi.ca (7 January 2010). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100518/http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=124612 |date=4 March 2016 }}, By Harischandra Gunaratna, The Island, Retrieved 15 June 2015</ref> The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) also endorsed Fonseka.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tamil National Alliance announced support for General Fonseka|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/tamil-national-alliance-announced-support-for-general-fonseka/article75898.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=9 January 2010|location=Chennai, India|first=B. Muralidhar|last=Reddy|access-date=19 October 2013|archive-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020182632/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/tamil-national-alliance-announced-support-for-general-fonseka/article75898.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
] | ] | ||
Fonseka suffered a number of setbacks in his election campaign. In December 2009, A news item was published in local newspaper "Sunday Leader" quoting Sarath Fonseka saying that during the final few days of the war against LTTE, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse (who is a brother of the President) gave orders to the army senior officers to execute three LTTE cadres who surrendered to the Army.<ref>. Thesundayleader.lk (13 December 2009). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.</ref> Due to the massive publicity given in the state media, this statement was taken by the whole country as betrayal of army officers by the retired army commander himself.<ref>. Thesundayleader.lk (24 January 2010). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.</ref> Although General Fonseka later issued a statement saying that his original statement has been published by the Sunday Leader out of context, many analysts say that Fonseka lost the election from that moment.<ref>http://lankainfoonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32:fonseka-denies-sunday-leader-report&catid=3:news&Itemid=1</ref> | Fonseka suffered a number of setbacks in his election campaign. In December 2009, A news item was published in local newspaper "Sunday Leader" quoting Sarath Fonseka saying that during the final few days of the war against LTTE, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse (who is a brother of the President) gave orders to the army senior officers to execute three LTTE cadres who surrendered to the Army.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213132642/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2009/12/13/%E2%80%9Cgota-ordered-them-to-be-shot%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-general-sarath-fonseka/ |date=13 February 2010 }}. Thesundayleader.lk (13 December 2009). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.</ref> Due to the massive publicity given in the state media, this statement was taken by the whole country as betrayal of army officers by the retired army commander himself.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130170318/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2010/01/24/rajapaksa-gets-astounding-98-of-time-on-state-media/ |date=30 January 2010 }}. Thesundayleader.lk (24 January 2010). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.</ref> Although General Fonseka later issued a statement saying that his original statement has been published by the Sunday Leader out of context, many analysts say that Fonseka lost the election from that moment.<ref>http://lankainfoonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32:fonseka-denies-sunday-leader-report&catid=3:news&Itemid=1</ref> | ||
Government accused Fonseka of corruption claiming that he removed the tender board chairman from the office and he himself became the chairman only to offer all the tenders to a company owned by his son-in-law. Citing an alleged close friend of Fonseka named Upul Illangamge it was claimed a US-based company owned by Fonseka's son-in-law sold 3 million rupees worth equipment necessary for the war during the final three years of the war. Fonseka claimed that the company referred in the accusation has no connection to his son-in-law's company although both companies share one name: Hicorp but the allegation was continuously reported in state media.<ref>{{cite news|title=Will expose arms deals – Ilangamge|url=http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2010/1/52597_space.html|newspaper=Lankannewspapers.com|date=12 January 2010}}</ref> | Government accused Fonseka of corruption claiming that he removed the tender board chairman from the office and he himself became the chairman only to offer all the tenders to a company owned by his son-in-law. Citing an alleged close friend of Fonseka named Upul Illangamge it was claimed a US-based company owned by Fonseka's son-in-law sold 3 million rupees worth equipment necessary for the war during the final three years of the war. Fonseka claimed that the company referred in the accusation has no connection to his son-in-law's company although both companies share one name: Hicorp but the allegation was continuously reported in state media.<ref>{{cite news|title=Will expose arms deals – Ilangamge|url=http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2010/1/52597_space.html|newspaper=Lankannewspapers.com|date=12 January 2010|access-date=19 October 2013|archive-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020163120/http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2010/1/52597_space.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
The government alleged a secret agreement between TNA and General Fonseka<ref>{{cite news|title=Fonseka accused of making 'secret pact' with TNA|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/fonseka-accused-of-making-secret-pact-with-tna/article76689.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 January 2010|location=Chennai, India|first=B. Muralidhar|last=Reddy}}</ref> in which Fonseka had promised merger of North and East provinces and an autonomous status for Tamils in return for the support of the north and east Tamil population in the presidential election. However opposition leaders proved that the agreement was a fake one with fake signatures adapted by another resources. Also the opposition revealed a secret written agreement between Mahinda Rajapaksa and EPDP Leader ] who was a Tamil politician faithful to Rajapaksa.<ref>. Thesundayleader.lk (20 December 2009). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.</ref> | The government alleged a secret agreement between TNA and General Fonseka<ref>{{cite news|title=Fonseka accused of making 'secret pact' with TNA|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/fonseka-accused-of-making-secret-pact-with-tna/article76689.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 January 2010|location=Chennai, India|first=B. Muralidhar|last=Reddy|access-date=19 October 2013|archive-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020182730/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/fonseka-accused-of-making-secret-pact-with-tna/article76689.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> in which Fonseka had promised merger of North and East provinces and an autonomous status for Tamils in return for the support of the north and east Tamil population in the presidential election. However opposition leaders proved that the agreement was a fake one with fake signatures adapted by another resources. Also the opposition revealed a secret written agreement between Mahinda Rajapaksa and EPDP Leader ] who was a Tamil politician faithful to Rajapaksa.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617030425/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2009/12/20/the-mahinda-rajapakse-douglas-devananda-agreement/ |date=17 June 2011 }}. Thesundayleader.lk (20 December 2009). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.</ref> | ||
Sarath Fonseka however sincerely expected that he was set for a massive win on 26 January 2010. He booked 70 rooms of a five star hotel some hundred metres away from the President's House for the night of 26 January 2010. Media citing Sri Lankan military reported that a large number (about 400) of deserted army soldiers spent the night with General Fonseka at the hotel to enjoy the election results. Fonseka's camp stated that there may be about 400 people in the hotel but were the leaders of parties supporting the common opposition candidate, and did not consist of any army deserters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Army deserters at leading hotel|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1226-army-deserters-at-leading-hotel.html|access-date=20 October 2013|newspaper=Daily Mirror}}</ref> | Sarath Fonseka however sincerely expected that he was set for a massive win on 26 January 2010. He booked 70 rooms of a five star hotel some hundred metres away from the President's House for the night of 26 January 2010. Media citing Sri Lankan military reported that a large number (about 400) of deserted army soldiers spent the night with General Fonseka at the hotel to enjoy the election results. Fonseka's camp stated that there may be about 400 people in the hotel but were the leaders of parties supporting the common opposition candidate, and did not consist of any army deserters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Army deserters at leading hotel|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1226-army-deserters-at-leading-hotel.html|access-date=20 October 2013|newspaper=Daily Mirror|archive-date=21 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021003246/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1226-army-deserters-at-leading-hotel.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Election results were released by the election commissioner electorate by electorate in the morning of 27 January 2010. | Election results were released by the election commissioner electorate by electorate in the morning of 27 January 2010. | ||
Line 201: | Line 204: | ||
===Post presidential election 2010=== | ===Post presidential election 2010=== | ||
Fonseka refused to accept the election results published by the Election Commissioner.<ref>. Lankatruth.com (28 January 2010). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482963.stm | work=BBC News | title=Sri Lanka poll victory challenged | date=27 January 2010 | access-date=23 May 2010}}</ref> He also said he would consider applying for asylum in Australia.<ref>{{cite news|title=Beaten Sri Lankan general considers asylum in Australia|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-01-29/beaten-sri-lankan-general-considers-asylum-in/313520|access-date=29 January 2010|newspaper=ABC News Australia}}</ref> | Fonseka refused to accept the election results published by the Election Commissioner.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713184344/http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4580:we-do-not-accept-the-distorted-result-of-the-election-gen-fonseka&catid=35:local&Itemid=50 |date=13 July 2011 }}. Lankatruth.com (28 January 2010). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482963.stm | work=BBC News | title=Sri Lanka poll victory challenged | date=27 January 2010 | access-date=23 May 2010 | archive-date=17 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717085258/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482963.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> He also said he would consider applying for asylum in Australia.<ref>{{cite news|title=Beaten Sri Lankan general considers asylum in Australia|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-01-29/beaten-sri-lankan-general-considers-asylum-in/313520|access-date=29 January 2010|newspaper=ABC News Australia|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029040825/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-01-29/beaten-sri-lankan-general-considers-asylum-in/313520|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
On 28 January 2010, CID began its new investigations on claims made by several ministers of Rajapaksa government that Fonseka was planning a coup to remove Rajapakse<ref>{{cite news|title=Gen Fonseka arrested, to be court martialled|url=http://www.timesnow.tv/Gen-Fonseka-arrested-to-be-court-martialled/articleshow/4338099.cms|date=9 February 2010|newspaper=Times Now}}</ref> in case of close election results on 26 January in connection with this investigation, a media institution "Lanka" run by JVP who helped Fonseka during presidential election was sealed on 30 January 2010 by the CID with a court order. Within a few days the court accepted the appeal and ordered CID to re-open the office.<ref>{{cite news|title=CID seals 'Lanka' office premises|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1303-cid-seals-lanka-office-premises.html|newspaper=Daily mirror|date=30 January 2010}}</ref> The Sri Lanka Army arrested Fonseka on 8 February 2010 for committing military offences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/feb/08/sarath-fonseka-arrested-coup-charge|title=Sri Lankan general held in crackdown|date=8 February 2010|website=the Guardian}}</ref> | On 28 January 2010, CID began its new investigations on claims made by several ministers of Rajapaksa government that Fonseka was planning a coup to remove Rajapakse<ref>{{cite news|title=Gen Fonseka arrested, to be court martialled|url=http://www.timesnow.tv/Gen-Fonseka-arrested-to-be-court-martialled/articleshow/4338099.cms|date=9 February 2010|newspaper=Times Now|access-date=19 October 2013|archive-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020124750/http://www.timesnow.tv/Gen-Fonseka-arrested-to-be-court-martialled/articleshow/4338099.cms|url-status=dead}}</ref> in case of close election results on 26 January in connection with this investigation, a media institution "Lanka" run by JVP who helped Fonseka during presidential election was sealed on 30 January 2010 by the CID with a court order. Within a few days the court accepted the appeal and ordered CID to re-open the office.<ref>{{cite news|title=CID seals 'Lanka' office premises|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1303-cid-seals-lanka-office-premises.html|newspaper=Daily mirror|date=30 January 2010|access-date=19 October 2013|archive-date=21 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021010328/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1303-cid-seals-lanka-office-premises.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Sri Lanka Army arrested Fonseka on 8 February 2010 for committing military offences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/feb/08/sarath-fonseka-arrested-coup-charge|title=Sri Lankan general held in crackdown|date=8 February 2010|website=the Guardian|access-date=18 July 2022|archive-date=10 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010064952/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/feb/08/sarath-fonseka-arrested-coup-charge|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===Arrest and sentence=== | ===Arrest and sentence=== | ||
It was alleged that Fonseka became a political prisoner after running as a presidential candidate against President ].<ref>{{cite news|title=9000 political prisoners including Sarath Fonseka 9000 political prisoners including Sarath Fonseka|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=11079|newspaper=Ada Derana}}</ref> He was arrested at his office in Colombo on 8 February 2010 by the ] as he was at the time in the army regular reserve following retirement,<ref name=Lion/><ref name="Ada Derana">{{cite news|url=http://adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=7131|title=Fonseka to face Court Marshal: MCNS|date=9 February 2010|publisher=Ada Derana|access-date=10 February 2010}}</ref> and taken into military custody. The military announced he would be ]ed for "committing military offences" during his time as Chief of Defence Staff.<ref>, ''Daily Mirror'', 8 February 2010</ref> The military stated that he would be charged according to the SL ARMY ACT, Section 57(1). The military tribunal in which the case was heard was challenged on multiple issues including the suitability and qualifications of the judges<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.groundreport.com/World/General-Fonsekas-Lawyers-To-Challenge-His-Court-Ma/2919678 |title=General Fonseka's Lawyers to Challenge His Court Martial Trial | GroundReport |access-date=15 August 2010 |archive-date=7 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407005116/http://www.groundreport.com/World/General-Fonsekas-Lawyers-To-Challenge-His-Court-Ma/2919678 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the hearing of the case during an official holiday period of lawyers (9–13 August 2010), and his lawyers were not present. Furthermore, because the witnesses were summoned during the aforementioned period, the lawyers of the accused never had a chance to interrogate the witnesses. Amidst all these issues, the panel of judges of General Court Martial which included Major General ], Major General ] and Major General ] found Fonseka guilty of the charges. Sentenced to 30 months after the court martial in 2010 convicted him of irregularities in army procurement. In August 2010, by proclamation from President ] as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, he was ] from the army, having been stripped of his rank, medals and decorations. His military pension was forfeited.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100815/News/nws_02.html|title=President ratifies stripping of Fonseka|website=www.sundaytimes.lk}}</ref> | It was alleged that Fonseka became a political prisoner after running as a presidential candidate against President ].<ref>{{cite news|title=9000 political prisoners including Sarath Fonseka 9000 political prisoners including Sarath Fonseka|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=11079|newspaper=Ada Derana|access-date=8 February 2012|archive-date=1 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110301130358/http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=11079|url-status=live}}</ref> He was arrested at his office in Colombo on 8 February 2010 by the ] as he was at the time in the army regular reserve following retirement,<ref name=Lion/><ref name="Ada Derana">{{cite news|url=http://adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=7131|title=Fonseka to face Court Marshal: MCNS|date=9 February 2010|publisher=Ada Derana|access-date=10 February 2010|archive-date=10 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210231730/http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=7131|url-status=live}}</ref> and taken into military custody. The military announced he would be ]ed for "committing military offences" during his time as Chief of Defence Staff.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010065102/https://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1518-general-fonseka-arrested.html |date=10 October 2024 }}, ''Daily Mirror'', 8 February 2010</ref> The military stated that he would be charged according to the SL ARMY ACT, Section 57(1). The military tribunal in which the case was heard was challenged on multiple issues including the suitability and qualifications of the judges<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.groundreport.com/World/General-Fonsekas-Lawyers-To-Challenge-His-Court-Ma/2919678 |title=General Fonseka's Lawyers to Challenge His Court Martial Trial | GroundReport |access-date=15 August 2010 |archive-date=7 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407005116/http://www.groundreport.com/World/General-Fonsekas-Lawyers-To-Challenge-His-Court-Ma/2919678 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the hearing of the case during an official holiday period of lawyers (9–13 August 2010), and his lawyers were not present. Furthermore, because the witnesses were summoned during the aforementioned period, the lawyers of the accused never had a chance to interrogate the witnesses. Amidst all these issues, the panel of judges of General Court Martial which included Major General ], Major General ] and Major General ] found Fonseka guilty of the charges. Sentenced to 30 months after the court martial in 2010 convicted him of irregularities in army procurement. In August 2010, by proclamation from President ] as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, he was ] from the army, having been stripped of his rank, medals and decorations. His military pension was forfeited.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100815/News/nws_02.html|title=President ratifies stripping of Fonseka|website=www.sundaytimes.lk|access-date=23 November 2014|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924125003/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100815/News/nws_02.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
In November 2011, Fonseka was sentenced to three years in jail and fined Rs. 5000 in a two-one split verdict delivered in the white flag case with two judges finding him guilty on one of the charges while one of the judges acquitted him on all three charges.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15787672 | work=BBC News | title=Sri Lanka's jailed ex-army chief Fonseka given new term | date=18 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/19/world/asia/sri-lanka-2nd-sentence-for-ex-general-sarath-fonseka.html | work=The New York Times | title=Sri Lanka: 2nd Sentence for Ex-General Sarath Fonseka | date=18 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/14839-sarath|title=Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka Latest Breaking News and Headlines|website=www.dailymirror.lk}}</ref> | In November 2011, Fonseka was sentenced to three years in jail and fined Rs. 5000 in a two-one split verdict delivered in the white flag case with two judges finding him guilty on one of the charges while one of the judges acquitted him on all three charges.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15787672 | work=BBC News | title=Sri Lanka's jailed ex-army chief Fonseka given new term | date=18 November 2011 | access-date=20 June 2018 | archive-date=25 October 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025091918/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15787672 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/19/world/asia/sri-lanka-2nd-sentence-for-ex-general-sarath-fonseka.html | work=The New York Times | title=Sri Lanka: 2nd Sentence for Ex-General Sarath Fonseka | date=18 November 2011 | access-date=28 February 2017 | archive-date=11 February 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211235527/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/19/world/asia/sri-lanka-2nd-sentence-for-ex-general-sarath-fonseka.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/14839-sarath|title=Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka Latest Breaking News and Headlines|website=www.dailymirror.lk|access-date=18 July 2022|archive-date=18 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718084837/https://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/14839-sarath|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
In March 2012, he was acquitted by Judge ] of the ] of fraud charges in the case known as the "Hi-Corp Case" upholding the objections raised by his Counsel that the charges in the High Court and the Court Martial were substantially the same and that he cannot be sentenced twice on the same offence. However one more case continued against him in respect of an allegation that he harboured deserters during the presidential election campaign. | In March 2012, he was acquitted by Judge ] of the ] of fraud charges in the case known as the "Hi-Corp Case" upholding the objections raised by his Counsel that the charges in the High Court and the Court Martial were substantially the same and that he cannot be sentenced twice on the same offence. However one more case continued against him in respect of an allegation that he harboured deserters during the presidential election campaign. | ||
Line 219: | Line 222: | ||
===Post release=== | ===Post release=== | ||
A midst local and international pressure president ] signed the order documents for the release of Fonseka during May 2012.<ref name=Express/><ref name=chief/><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18143907 | work=BBC News | title=Sri Lanka's Sarath Fonseka freed from prison | date=21 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/may/20/sri-lankan-president-releases-rival | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Jason | last=Burke | title=Sri Lankan president orders release of Sarath Fonseka | date=20 May 2012}}</ref><ref>, Colombo Telegraph, Retrieved 15 June 2015</ref> | A midst local and international pressure president ] signed the order documents for the release of Fonseka during May 2012.<ref name=Express/><ref name=chief/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18143907 | work=BBC News | title=Sri Lanka's Sarath Fonseka freed from prison | date=21 May 2012 | access-date=20 June 2018 | archive-date=23 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223154804/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18143907 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/may/20/sri-lankan-president-releases-rival | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Jason | last=Burke | title=Sri Lankan president orders release of Sarath Fonseka | date=20 May 2012 | access-date=17 December 2016 | archive-date=10 October 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010064619/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/may/20/sri-lankan-president-releases-rival | url-status=live }}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010064957/https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-fonseka-agenda/ |date=10 October 2024 }}, Colombo Telegraph, Retrieved 15 June 2015</ref> | ||
In September 2012, DNA MP ] resigned from the post of Secretary of the Democratic National Party headed by Sarath Fonseka. Alles was in the media spotlight as he held several rounds of discussions with President ] to secure the release of Sarath Fonseka.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=19555|title=Tiran Alles resigns from DNP Secretary Post|website=www.adaderana.lk}}</ref> | In September 2012, DNA MP ] resigned from the post of Secretary of the Democratic National Party headed by Sarath Fonseka. Alles was in the media spotlight as he held several rounds of discussions with President ] to secure the release of Sarath Fonseka.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=19555|title=Tiran Alles resigns from DNP Secretary Post|website=www.adaderana.lk|access-date=18 October 2012|archive-date=15 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115074902/http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=19555|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
In October 2012, ] and DNA called for a movement for abolition of the executive presidency under the joint leadership of UNP MP ] and Fonseka. Despite the fact that Jayasuriya requested the permission,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ft.lk/2012/10/17/karu-writes-to-ranil-over-wc-decision-to-restrict-members-activism-with-united-bhikku-front/ |title=Karu writes to Ranil over WC decision to restrict members' activism with United Bhikku Front | DailyFT - be Empowered |access-date=18 October 2012 |archive-date=19 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019194515/http://www.ft.lk/2012/10/17/karu-writes-to-ranil-over-wc-decision-to-restrict-members-activism-with-united-bhikku-front/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> United National Party leadership ordered its members to boycott the rally which was scheduled to be held at Hyde Park Colombo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=63996|title=The Island|website=www.island.lk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25787:hundreds-brave-rainly-weather-to-attend-fonseka-rally&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=547|title=Times Online - Daily Online Edition of The Sunday Times Sri Lanka|website=www.sundaytimes.lk}}</ref> | In October 2012, ] and DNA called for a movement for abolition of the executive presidency under the joint leadership of UNP MP ] and Fonseka. Despite the fact that Jayasuriya requested the permission,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ft.lk/2012/10/17/karu-writes-to-ranil-over-wc-decision-to-restrict-members-activism-with-united-bhikku-front/ |title=Karu writes to Ranil over WC decision to restrict members' activism with United Bhikku Front | DailyFT - be Empowered |access-date=18 October 2012 |archive-date=19 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019194515/http://www.ft.lk/2012/10/17/karu-writes-to-ranil-over-wc-decision-to-restrict-members-activism-with-united-bhikku-front/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> United National Party leadership ordered its members to boycott the rally which was scheduled to be held at Hyde Park Colombo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=63996|title=The Island|website=www.island.lk|access-date=18 October 2012|archive-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021032110/http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=63996|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25787:hundreds-brave-rainly-weather-to-attend-fonseka-rally&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=547|title=Times Online - Daily Online Edition of The Sunday Times Sri Lanka|website=www.sundaytimes.lk|access-date=18 October 2012|archive-date=18 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018155110/http://sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25787:hundreds-brave-rainly-weather-to-attend-fonseka-rally&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=547|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
Also in the same month, party deputy leader ] resigned from the party.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-16570-news-detail-mp-ranatunga-resigns-from-dp.html |title=Ceylon Today | MP Ranatunga resigns from DP |access-date=16 November 2012 |archive-date=21 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121034508/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-16570-news-detail-mp-ranatunga-resigns-from-dp.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/23354-arjuna-resigns-from-sfs-party.html|title |
Also in the same month, party deputy leader ] resigned from the party.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-16570-news-detail-mp-ranatunga-resigns-from-dp.html |title=Ceylon Today | MP Ranatunga resigns from DP |access-date=16 November 2012 |archive-date=21 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121034508/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-16570-news-detail-mp-ranatunga-resigns-from-dp.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/23354-arjuna-resigns-from-sfs-party.html|title=Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka Latest Breaking News and Headlines|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-date=12 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112050800/http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/23354-arjuna-resigns-from-sfs-party.html?|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===Presidential election 2015=== | ===Presidential election 2015=== | ||
In November 2012, party chairman Jayantha Ketagoda resigned from the position.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mirror.lk/news/3171-ketagoda-too-to-leave-fonseka | title=Mirror.lk }}</ref> Fonseka extended his support to ] in the ]. Following his victory, President Sirisena gave Fonseka a complete ] and acquitted of all charges on 22 January 2015, restoring his civic rights. The pardon restored his military rank and decorations as well as his pension. He also requested reinstatement of his parliamentary seat which was taken by a member of his party after he lost it due to his conviction.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.itnnews.lk/?p=61298|title=Sarath Fonseka goes to Court seeking his Parliamentary seat}}</ref><ref> | In November 2012, party chairman Jayantha Ketagoda resigned from the position.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mirror.lk/news/3171-ketagoda-too-to-leave-fonseka | title=Mirror.lk | access-date=16 November 2012 | archive-date=19 February 2013 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219014925/http://www.mirror.lk/news/3171-ketagoda-too-to-leave-fonseka | url-status=live }}</ref> Fonseka extended his support to ] in the ]. Following his victory, President Sirisena gave Fonseka a complete ] and acquitted of all charges on 22 January 2015, restoring his civic rights. The pardon restored his military rank and decorations as well as his pension. He also requested reinstatement of his parliamentary seat which was taken by a member of his party after he lost it due to his conviction.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.itnnews.lk/?p=61298|title=Sarath Fonseka goes to Court seeking his Parliamentary seat|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402145851/http://www.itnnews.lk/?p=61298|url-status=live}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010064959/https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2015/01/25/fea02.asp |date=10 October 2024 }} | ||
by Ranil Wijayapala, Sunday Observer, Retrieved 15 June 2015</ref> | by Ranil Wijayapala, Sunday Observer, Retrieved 15 June 2015</ref> | ||
Fonseka joined the ] on 30 June 2016 and was appointed the chief organizer of Kalaniya seat of the party.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/35874/minister-sarath-fonseka-obtains-unp-membership|title=Minister Sarath Fonseka obtains UNP membership|website=www.adaderana.lk}}</ref> | Fonseka joined the ] on 30 June 2016 and was appointed the chief organizer of Kalaniya seat of the party.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/35874/minister-sarath-fonseka-obtains-unp-membership|title=Minister Sarath Fonseka obtains UNP membership|website=www.adaderana.lk|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-date=2 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702011705/http://www.adaderana.lk/news/35874/minister-sarath-fonseka-obtains-unp-membership|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
====Promotion to Field Marshal==== | ====Promotion to Field Marshal==== | ||
On 22 March 2015, Fonseka was promoted to the newly created rank of ] by President ].<ref name=elevated/><ref>, army.lk, Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2015/3/1906-51_E.pdf|title=Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka}}</ref> He is currently ranked 5th in the table of precedence in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.moha.gov.lk/web/images/downloads/National_Items/Table_of_Precedence.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=28 October 2021 |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028065148/http://www.moha.gov.lk/web/images/downloads/National_Items/Table_of_Precedence.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> | On 22 March 2015, Fonseka was promoted to the newly created rank of ] by President ].<ref name=elevated/><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327233431/http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=9473 |date=27 March 2015 }}, army.lk, Retrieved 29 March 2015</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2015/3/1906-51_E.pdf|title=Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka|access-date=5 April 2017|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510182653/http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2015/3/1906-51_E.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> He is currently ranked 5th in the table of precedence in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.moha.gov.lk/web/images/downloads/National_Items/Table_of_Precedence.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=28 October 2021 |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028065148/http://www.moha.gov.lk/web/images/downloads/National_Items/Table_of_Precedence.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
===General election 2015=== | ===General election 2015=== | ||
Field Marshal Fonseka, contested the ] from his ] from Colombo district, however he was not elected neither was his party able to secure a seat during the election.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
Field Marshal Fonseka, contested the ] from his ] from Colombo district, however he was not elected neither was his party able to secure a seat during the election.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sinhayanews.com:80/field-marshal-sarath-fonseka-fails-obtain-parliament-seat-sri-lankan-general-election-2015|title=Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka Fails To Obtain Parliament Seat In The Sri Lankan General Election 2015|website=sinhayanews.com|access-date=21 April 2019|archive-date=20 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920110557/http://www.sinhayanews.com:80/field-marshal-sarath-fonseka-fails-obtain-parliament-seat-sri-lankan-general-election-2015|url-status=usurped}}</ref> | ||
===Joining the UNP=== | ===Joining the UNP=== | ||
In February 2016, Sarath Fonseka signed a collective agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and the ruling United National Party (UNP). The MoU was signed by Fonseka as the leader of the Democratic Party and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the UNP leader. The two leaders exchanged agreements for the Democratic Party to join the United National Front (UNF), the coalition led by the UNP.<ref name=Lion/><ref>{{cite news|title=Secret behind Fonseka's re-entry|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/42-117661-news-detail-secret-behind-fonsekas-re-entry.html|work=Ceylon Today|date=14 February 2016}}</ref> | In February 2016, Sarath Fonseka signed a collective agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and the ruling United National Party (UNP). The MoU was signed by Fonseka as the leader of the Democratic Party and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the UNP leader. The two leaders exchanged agreements for the Democratic Party to join the United National Front (UNF), the coalition led by the UNP.<ref name=Lion/><ref>{{cite news|title=Secret behind Fonseka's re-entry|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/42-117661-news-detail-secret-behind-fonsekas-re-entry.html|work=Ceylon Today|date=14 February 2016|access-date=14 February 2016|archive-date=15 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215235047/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/42-117661-news-detail-secret-behind-fonsekas-re-entry.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
====Cabinet Minister (2016-2018)==== | ====Cabinet Minister (2016-2018)==== | ||
On 9 February 2016, he took the oath as a ] for the seat vacated by the death of ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Fonseka takes oath as MP|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/34116/fonseka-takes-oath-as-mp|work=Ada Derrana|date=9 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Right on Field Marshal!|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/160214/columns/right-on-field-marshal-182838.html|work=Sunday Times|date=14 February 2016}}</ref> and on 25 February, he was appointed as Cabinet Minister of Regional Development by President Sirisena which he led till May 2018, when he was appointed Cabinet Minister of Wildlife and Sustainable Development.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sarath Fonseka sworn in as Cabinet Minister|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/96562/sarath-fonseka-sworn-in-as-cabinet-minister|date=25 February 2016}}</ref> | On 9 February 2016, he took the oath as a ] for the seat vacated by the death of ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Fonseka takes oath as MP|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/34116/fonseka-takes-oath-as-mp|work=Ada Derrana|date=9 February 2016|access-date=9 February 2016|archive-date=20 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820085748/http://www.adaderana.lk/news/34116/fonseka-takes-oath-as-mp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Right on Field Marshal!|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/160214/columns/right-on-field-marshal-182838.html|work=Sunday Times|date=14 February 2016|access-date=14 February 2016|archive-date=10 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010071129/https://www.sundaytimes.lk/160214/columns/right-on-field-marshal-182838.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and on 25 February, he was appointed as Cabinet Minister of Regional Development by President Sirisena which he led till May 2018, when he was appointed Cabinet Minister of Wildlife and Sustainable Development.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sarath Fonseka sworn in as Cabinet Minister|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/96562/sarath-fonseka-sworn-in-as-cabinet-minister|date=25 February 2016|access-date=29 February 2016|archive-date=28 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228081545/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/96562/sarath-fonseka-sworn-in-as-cabinet-minister|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
During the ], he lost his ministerial post and was not reappointed by President Sirisena at the end of the crisis. During the crisis, Sirisena had claimed that the name of Fonseka had come up in the investigation of the CID but was suppressed.<ref>{{cite web |title=President says plot linked to Fonseka was game changer |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/181028/news/president-says-plot-linked-to-fonseka-was-game-changer-317875.html |website=The Sunday Times Sri Lanka |access-date=11 November 2018}}</ref> | During the ], he lost his ministerial post and was not reappointed by President Sirisena at the end of the crisis. During the crisis, Sirisena had claimed that the name of Fonseka had come up in the investigation of the CID but was suppressed.<ref>{{cite web |title=President says plot linked to Fonseka was game changer |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/181028/news/president-says-plot-linked-to-fonseka-was-game-changer-317875.html |website=The Sunday Times Sri Lanka |access-date=11 November 2018 |archive-date=26 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126085933/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/181028/news/president-says-plot-linked-to-fonseka-was-game-changer-317875.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
====Proposed Minister of Law and Order==== | ====Proposed Minister of Law and Order==== | ||
Following the ], the UNP led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe requested President Sirisena to appoint Fonseka as ]. President Sirisena turned down the request.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Minister-of-Law-and-Order-Prez-rejects-request-to-appoint-SF/108-166421|title=Minister of Law and Order - Prez rejects request to appoint SF|website=Daily Mirror}}</ref> | Following the ], the UNP led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe requested President Sirisena to appoint Fonseka as ]. President Sirisena turned down the request.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Minister-of-Law-and-Order-Prez-rejects-request-to-appoint-SF/108-166421|title=Minister of Law and Order - Prez rejects request to appoint SF|website=Daily Mirror|access-date=18 July 2022|archive-date=18 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718084721/https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Minister-of-Law-and-Order-Prez-rejects-request-to-appoint-SF/108-166421|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===Presidential election 2024=== | |||
Fonseka contested for presidency again in ] as an independent candidate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sarath Fonseka officially announces candidacy for 2024 Presidential Election |url=https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=100757 |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=www.adaderana.lk |language=en |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002045152/https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=100757 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following his announcement, he resigned as the chairman of ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sarath Fonseka resigns as SJB's Chairman |url=https://www.adaderana.lk/news/101102/sarath-fonseka-resigns-as-sjbs-chairman |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=www.adaderana.lk |language=en |archive-date=10 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010071011/https://www.adaderana.lk/news/101102/sarath-fonseka-resigns-as-sjbs-chairman |url-status=live }}</ref> Fonseka was placed in a distant 9th position in the first count of votes with only 22,407 votes, thus eliminating from the race.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Lanka Presidential Election 2024 Live Update |url=https://election.newswire.lk/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=election.newswire.lk |language=English |archive-date=24 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924023914/https://election.newswire.lk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
Sarath Fonseka is married to ], daughter of D. J. and Eugine Munasinghe of ], and has two daughters Aparna and Apsara.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2007/10/07/spe02.asp|title=All for the love of a soldier|publisher=Sunday Observer|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> | Sarath Fonseka is married to ], daughter of D. J. and Eugine Munasinghe of ], and has two daughters Aparna and Apsara.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2007/10/07/spe02.asp|title=All for the love of a soldier|publisher=Sunday Observer|date=7 October 2007|access-date=20 April 2024|archive-date=10 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010071012/https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2007/10/07/spe02.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Awards and decorations== | ==Awards and decorations== | ||
Line 352: | Line 358: | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] |
Latest revision as of 12:15, 6 December 2024
Sri Lankan army officer This article is about a Sri Lankan army officer. For other people, see Sarath (disambiguation).This article uses bare URLs, which are uninformative and vulnerable to link rot. Please consider converting them to full citations to ensure the article remains verifiable and maintains a consistent citation style. Several templates and tools are available to assist in formatting, such as reFill (documentation) and Citation bot (documentation). (August 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Field MarshalSarath FonsekaRWP, RSP, VSV, USP | |
---|---|
සරත් ෆොන්සේකා சரத் பொன்சேகா | |
Fonseka at a press conference, 2010 | |
Minister of Wildlife and Sustainable Development | |
In office 1 May 2018 – 26 October 2018 | |
President | Maithripala Sirisena |
Prime Minister | Ranil Wickremesinghe |
Preceded by | Ravindra Samaraweera |
Minister of Regional Development | |
In office 25 February 2016 – 26 October 2018 | |
President | Maithripala Sirisena |
Prime Minister | Ranil Wickremesinghe |
Preceded by | Office Established |
Succeeded by | S. B. Nawinne |
Chairman of Samagi Jana Balawegaya | |
In office 10 February 2020 – 9 August 2024 | |
Member of Parliament for Gampaha District | |
In office 20 August 2020 – 24 September 2024 | |
Majority | 110,555 Preferential Votes (2020) |
Member of Parliament for National List | |
In office 9 February 2016 – 3 March 2020 | |
Preceded by | M. K. A. D. S. Gunawardana |
Member of Parliament for Colombo District | |
In office 22 April 2010 – 7 October 2010 | |
Succeeded by | Jayantha Ketagoda |
Majority | 98,456 Preferential Votes |
Chief of the Defence Staff | |
In office 15 July 2009 – 30 November 2009 | |
Preceded by | Donald Perera |
Succeeded by | Roshan Goonetileke |
Commander of the Army | |
In office 6 December 2005 – 15 July 2009 | |
Preceded by | Shantha Kottegoda |
Succeeded by | Jagath Jayasuriya |
Personal details | |
Born | Gardihewa Sarath Chandralal Fonseka (1950-12-18) 18 December 1950 (age 74) Ambalangoda, Dominion of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) |
Political party | New Democratic Front (2009–2010) Democratic National Alliance (2010–2013) Democratic Party (2013–2016) United National Party (2016–2020) Samagi Jana Balawegaya (2020-2024) |
Spouse | Anoma Fonseka |
Children | 2 |
Alma mater | Dharmasoka College Ananda College |
Occupation | Politician Military officer |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Sri Lanka |
Branch/service | Sri Lanka Army |
Years of service | 1971–2009 |
Rank | Field Marshal |
Unit | Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment |
Commands | Security Forces Headquarters - Jaffna Security Forces Headquarters - Wanni Commander of the Army Chief of the Defence Staff |
Battles/wars | Sri Lankan Civil War, Insurrection 1987–89 |
Awards | |
Field Marshal Gardihewa Sarath Chandralal Fonseka (born 18 December 1950) is a politician and retired Sri Lankan army officer. He was the eighteenth Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, and under his command the Sri Lankan Army ended the 26-year Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009, defeating the militant group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam; he thereafter briefly served as the Chief of Defence Staff. After retiring from the Army with the rank of General, he entered politics as the common opposition candidate in the 2010 presidential election contesting against President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Following his controversial defeat in the presidential election he was elected to Parliament in the general election that followed. Soon after he was made a political prisoner and lost his parliamentary seat. Fonseka supported Maithripala Sirisena in the 2015 presidential election, and, following his victory, the newly appointed President Sirisena gave Fonseka a full pardon, reinstating his civic rights, military rank and decorations. Later he was promoted to the newly created rank of Field Marshal on 22 March 2015, becoming the first Sri Lankan Army officer to be promoted to the rank.
On 9 February 2016, he was appointed to Parliament as a national list candidate and served in the Cabinet of Ministers from 2016 to 2018 as Minister of Regional Development and thereafter as Minister of Wildlife and Sustainable Development until the 2018 Sri Lankan constitutional crisis.
Fonseka had joined the Ceylon Army in 1970 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in June 1971 and rose through the ranks while completing training stints across South Asia and in the United States. He saw extensive action throughout the 26-year civil war and over the years acquired a reputation as a tough battlefield commander and was often in the thick of the action in fighting against the Tamil Tigers, culminating in a term as Commander of the Army from 6 December 2005 – 15 July 2009. As commander, he oversaw the final phase of the Sri Lankan Civil War, which resulted in the total defeat of the militant Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. He also survived an assassination attempt when an LTTE suicide bomber attacked his motorcade in April 2006. Following the end of the war Fonseka was promoted to a four star rank in the Sri Lanka Army, becoming the first serving army commander to hold a four star rank. He has been described as Sri Lanka's most successful army commander.
A few months after the defeat of the Tamil Tigers, Fonseka was appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. While his new post was of a higher rank, Fonseka saw the move as an attempt to sideline him. Amid rumours of his desire to enter politics, he subsequently retired from the post on 16 November 2009. On 29 November 2009, Fonseka formally announced his candidature in the 2010 Sri Lankan presidential election. His candidacy was endorsed by the main opposition parties, and Fonseka became the main opposition candidate challenging President Rajapaksa. He campaigned under the sign of a swan, and the slogan Vishvasaniya Venasak (A Credible Change).
Following his election defeat, Fonseka was arrested on 8 February 2010, and the government announced he would be court-martialed for committing "military offences". He was convicted for corrupt military supply deals and sentenced to three years in prison. After serving more than 2 years in prison, Fonseka was released amidst local and international pressure on 21 May 2012. As per the pre-election statement, President Maithripala Sirisena, gave him the complete presidential pardon and acquitted him of all the charges against him on 22 January 2015, restoring his civic rights.
On 29 June 2024, Fonseka launched his own written book titled The Army Commander’s Promise to the Nation – I will not leave this war to the next Army Commander.
On 25 July 2024, he had announced his candidacy in the 2024 Sri Lankan presidential election.
Early life
Fonseka was born on 18 December 1950 in the coastal town of Ambalangoda in the south of Sri Lanka. His father was Peter Fonseka, a school principal and his mother Egodage Piyawathie De Silva was a teacher. He initially attended Madawalalanda Maha Vidyalaya (1955–1957) in Ampara, later receiving his secondary education from Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda (1958–1965) and Ananda College, Colombo (1966–1969). Fonseka represented his alma mater in cadeting, swimming and water polo events. He was the college swimming and water polo captain in 1969 and later represented the defence services and the country in these sports. He was a sergeant of the College Cadet Platoon.
Military career
Early years
Fonseka joined the Ceylon Army on 5 February 1970 as a cadet officer and after completing his basic officer training at the Army Training Centre in Diyatalawa, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, Ceylon Sinha Regiment on 1 June 1971 during the 1971 Insurrection.
Serving with as platoon commander in the Sinha Regiment, he was promoted to lieutenant in 1973 and was promoted to the rank of captain in 1976. During this time he underwent the Commando Officers Course (1973), Battalion Support Weapons Course (1976) and Counter Insurgency Jungle Warfare Course (1978) in India. In 1980 he was promoted to the rank of major and in 1981 he attend the Company Commanders Course in Pakistan. In the next few years he served as an instructor at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Ampara Combat Training School and Infantry Training Centre, and later as the Chief Instructor and Deputy Commandant in the same training institutes.
Eelam War I
In 1987, he graduated from Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur in Bangladesh. On his return was appointed commanding officer, 4th Sri Lanka Light Infantry and participated in the Vadamarachchi Operation. The following year he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and appointed Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment in 1989.
With the onset of the 1987–89 JVP Insurrection, he was appointed as military coordinating officer for Gampaha District. Fonseka reputedly devised the plan which led to the capture of Premakumar Gunaratnam and gained a reputation for his humane treatment of detainees.
Eelam War II
In 1991, he was promoted to colonel and served as a brigade commander, 3rd Brigade during Operation Balavegaya and distinguished himself as a Brigade Commander. In the First Battle of Elephant Pass, the Sri Lankan armed forces were able to beat back the LTTE owing to the tenacity of the besieged troops led by Fonseka and the grit with which they held on despite the overwhelming odds. Thereafter he was appointed as Center Commandant, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment at Ambepussa and next served as Staff Officer I at the Directorate of Operations at the Army Headquarters.
In 1993, the Jaffna Fort was under siege by Tamil Tiger rebels. Then Colonel Fonseka led troops in the daring Midnight Express operation to relieve besieged troops. Several hundred soldiers were saved due to the operation. Colonel Fonseka was wounded that year in the Yaldevi operation, having been shot through the lung. At the time Fonseka was commanding the 23 Division. After recovering, he was promoted to brigadier in December 1993 and was appointed to the Operational Headquarters in Colombo.
Eelam War III
Brigadier Fonseka was soon deployed to operational areas serving as Commander - Area Headquarters, Mannar; General Officer Commanding, 5 Division in 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; General Officer Commanding, 55 Division at Mirusuvil.
In 1995, Brigadier Fonseka won widespread plaudits for his role in Operation Riviresa - the army's operation to capture Jaffna town from the Tamil Tigers. He played a major role in Operation Jayasikurui. In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of major general. He was appointed Colonel of the Regiment of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. Serving as General Officer Commanding, 22 Division and Director General, General Staff at the Army Headquarters.
In 2000, with the imminent fall of Elephant Pass, Major General Fonseka was rushed in as Commander, Security Forces Headquarters - Jaffna and successfully defended the Jaffna peninsula from the massive offensive Operation Unceasing Waves III launched by the LTTE. Thereafter he served as Commander, Security Forces Headquarters - Wanni. From May 2002 to November 2003 after he was again appointed the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters - Jaffna, Fonseka strengthened the defences of Jaffna and launched a new training programme for the infantry.
Thereafter he attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in London and on his return he was appointed Commandant, Defence Services Command and Staff College. In 2003, he was appointed Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and in 2004 he was appointed Director Infantry, Deputy Chief of Staff and then Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army. In December 2005 he was appointed Commander of the Army by president Mahinda Rajapaksa and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general.
Suicide bomb attack and attempted assaisnation
See also: Chaminda Ruwan YakandawalaOn 25 April 2006, Lt. General Fonseka survived an LTTE suicide bomb attack on his unarmored staff car by a pregnant LTTE operative named Anoja Kugenthirarasah who infiltrated Army Headquarters by attending the regular maternity clinic provided for civilians at the military hospital. Fonseka was gravely wounded in the attack along with his ADC; while nine others, including members of his security detail were killed. The General was rushed to the Colombo General Hospital within minutes. This had been possible because the attack took place next to the Army Hospital and therefore an ambulance was at hand. Fonseka was conscious upon admittance and had communicated with his officers and the doctors. The general, who was unconscious following emergency surgery, was put on a ventilator and regained consciousness on 30 April 2006. He was later transferred to the military hospital at Army Headquarters and subsequently flown to Singapore for medical treatment. Years later, in 2016 Fonseka requested President Maithripala Sirisena to take steps towards releasing the person imprisoned in connection with his attempted assassination.
Eelam War IV
After recovering from his wounds, Lt. General Fonseka resumed his duties in July 2006. Fonseka has been described as the mastermind of the military strategy behind the military victory in Sri Lanka's three-decade war against terrorism. He abandoned conventional methods, matched the ingenious tactics and strategies of the LTTE, fully utilized the superior numerical strength and fire power of the Sri Lankan 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 and succeeded in getting the support of the other service commanders.
Fonseka broke army units into small groups and made these highly trained and motivated men who infiltrated Tiger-held areas, tracked down the fighting cadres of the LTTE and eliminated them. He transformed the Sri Lankan army from its defensive posture to an offence force. Along with his proactive military leadership, the battle-hardened commander changed military strategy in preparations before the war such as changing the training and ethos of the infantry and preparing the defences in the north. He empowered the frontline soldier, breaking the norms of conventional military attitude. In 2007, Fonseka introduced the Mechanized Infantry Regiment.
Fonseka changed the reactionary nature of the Army and formulated a plan that would end the war in a time frame of three years. The aim was shifted from capturing ground to destroying the enemy. He reduced operations conducted along the main roads and expanded the battlefront in order to disperse the enemy manpower and firepower. To this end he devised the strategy of introducing large numbers of four-man teams to the theater of war, there by reducing military and civilian casualties through dispersion, stealth and precision in operations and fought the war on multiple fronts. He inaugurated the northern campaign before the conclusion of the eastern campaign, thereby making it difficult for political intrusion to halt the war.
General Fonseka opted instead to attack the LTTE's strongest areas and opted for performance over seniority and selected officers with experience in the field. He restructured the Army Intelligence Units which proved vital for the Navy and the Air Force to destroy LTTE ships, commanders and other targets. Fonseka implemented strong measures to improve the discipline in the army, eradicate corruption and wastage. He also reduced the burden on the government and the citizen by the effective management of the resources at his disposal and personally ensured the unimpeded supply of ammunition. In January 2009, he was described as the best army commander in the world by India's National Security Advisor.
- Defeat of the LTTE
On 18 May 2009, the Sri Lankan military completely defeated the LTTE after 26 years of civil war. Fonseka played a key role as Commander of the Army, and is considered as a national hero by the majority of Sri Lankans due to this achievement. He was soon after promoted to general, becoming the first army commander to hold a full general rank, since it was traditionally awarded to retiring Commanders of the Army.
Chief of Defence Staff
Fonseka was appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) by President Rajapaksa effective 15 July 2009. He was the first person appointed CDS under the newly approved Chief of Defence Staff Act, which was supposed to give the CDS more responsibilities in co-ordinating the armed forces.
Retirement
Fonseka officially handed over his letter of resignation to the President through the Defence secretary on 12 November 2009. He requested to serve as CDS until the end of the month since he resigned to compete as a candidate for the presidential election which was held in January 2010. He left office on 16 November 2009, President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force Air Marshal Roshan Goonatilake to succeed Fonseka on 16 November 2009.
Sarath Fonseka asked President Ranil to create new high rank title to him as Marshal to help president in next presidential election.
Political career
Post-war politics
There were newspaper reports published about Fonseka entering politics after the war victory, beginning in August 2009. One of the articles explains it as follows, "General Fonseka launches political campaign – I will make a supreme sacrifice to defend my land against the politicos who ever they may be joining hands with India. Now we have a daunting task to protect our motherland from India". Gen. Fonseka entering politics was a debate even during the war against LTTE.
Presidential candidate
Fonseka was installed as the common candidate by a coalition of political parties consisting mainly of the United National Party and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and had the support of former president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. General Fonseka however declared himself as a non-party candidate.
Immediately after declaration that Fonseka was ready for candidacy, President Rajapaksa called for new presidential elections two years before expiration of his term.
Fonseka, UNP and JVP campaigned claiming he was the real hero who won the war against LTTE and a Fonseka government was ready for good governance along with the support of all the minorities, eliminate prevailing corruption under Mahinda Rajapaka's government and also promised a massive salary increase for public servants which had been denied thus far. They also promised to change the constitution to remove executive powers from the presidency and transfer such powers to the parliament. Further they promised to establish the 17 amendment to authorise independent commissions as a measure to counter the ongoing mishandling of public money. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) also endorsed Fonseka.
Fonseka suffered a number of setbacks in his election campaign. In December 2009, A news item was published in local newspaper "Sunday Leader" quoting Sarath Fonseka saying that during the final few days of the war against LTTE, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse (who is a brother of the President) gave orders to the army senior officers to execute three LTTE cadres who surrendered to the Army. Due to the massive publicity given in the state media, this statement was taken by the whole country as betrayal of army officers by the retired army commander himself. Although General Fonseka later issued a statement saying that his original statement has been published by the Sunday Leader out of context, many analysts say that Fonseka lost the election from that moment.
Government accused Fonseka of corruption claiming that he removed the tender board chairman from the office and he himself became the chairman only to offer all the tenders to a company owned by his son-in-law. Citing an alleged close friend of Fonseka named Upul Illangamge it was claimed a US-based company owned by Fonseka's son-in-law sold 3 million rupees worth equipment necessary for the war during the final three years of the war. Fonseka claimed that the company referred in the accusation has no connection to his son-in-law's company although both companies share one name: Hicorp but the allegation was continuously reported in state media.
The government alleged a secret agreement between TNA and General Fonseka in which Fonseka had promised merger of North and East provinces and an autonomous status for Tamils in return for the support of the north and east Tamil population in the presidential election. However opposition leaders proved that the agreement was a fake one with fake signatures adapted by another resources. Also the opposition revealed a secret written agreement between Mahinda Rajapaksa and EPDP Leader Douglas Devananda who was a Tamil politician faithful to Rajapaksa.
Sarath Fonseka however sincerely expected that he was set for a massive win on 26 January 2010. He booked 70 rooms of a five star hotel some hundred metres away from the President's House for the night of 26 January 2010. Media citing Sri Lankan military reported that a large number (about 400) of deserted army soldiers spent the night with General Fonseka at the hotel to enjoy the election results. Fonseka's camp stated that there may be about 400 people in the hotel but were the leaders of parties supporting the common opposition candidate, and did not consist of any army deserters.
Election results were released by the election commissioner electorate by electorate in the morning of 27 January 2010.
Post presidential election 2010
Fonseka refused to accept the election results published by the Election Commissioner. He also said he would consider applying for asylum in Australia.
On 28 January 2010, CID began its new investigations on claims made by several ministers of Rajapaksa government that Fonseka was planning a coup to remove Rajapakse in case of close election results on 26 January in connection with this investigation, a media institution "Lanka" run by JVP who helped Fonseka during presidential election was sealed on 30 January 2010 by the CID with a court order. Within a few days the court accepted the appeal and ordered CID to re-open the office. The Sri Lanka Army arrested Fonseka on 8 February 2010 for committing military offences.
Arrest and sentence
It was alleged that Fonseka became a political prisoner after running as a presidential candidate against President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He was arrested at his office in Colombo on 8 February 2010 by the military police as he was at the time in the army regular reserve following retirement, and taken into military custody. The military announced he would be court-martialed for "committing military offences" during his time as Chief of Defence Staff. The military stated that he would be charged according to the SL ARMY ACT, Section 57(1). The military tribunal in which the case was heard was challenged on multiple issues including the suitability and qualifications of the judges and the hearing of the case during an official holiday period of lawyers (9–13 August 2010), and his lawyers were not present. Furthermore, because the witnesses were summoned during the aforementioned period, the lawyers of the accused never had a chance to interrogate the witnesses. Amidst all these issues, the panel of judges of General Court Martial which included Major General A.L.R. Weeratunga, Major General Lalith Wijetunga and Major General Bhatiya Jayatilleke found Fonseka guilty of the charges. Sentenced to 30 months after the court martial in 2010 convicted him of irregularities in army procurement. In August 2010, by proclamation from President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, he was cashiered from the army, having been stripped of his rank, medals and decorations. His military pension was forfeited.
In November 2011, Fonseka was sentenced to three years in jail and fined Rs. 5000 in a two-one split verdict delivered in the white flag case with two judges finding him guilty on one of the charges while one of the judges acquitted him on all three charges.
In March 2012, he was acquitted by Judge Sunil Rajapaksa of the High Court of Colombo of fraud charges in the case known as the "Hi-Corp Case" upholding the objections raised by his Counsel that the charges in the High Court and the Court Martial were substantially the same and that he cannot be sentenced twice on the same offence. However one more case continued against him in respect of an allegation that he harboured deserters during the presidential election campaign.
General election 2010
Sarath Fonseka, Leader of Democratic National Alliance, obtained over 98,000 votes only in Colombo District. It is the 2nd highest individual vote obtaining percentage ever in the election, 89.0%. His party was placed 3rd in the district with 110,683 votes (11.78%). General Sarath Fonseka was a Member of the Sri Lankan Parliament, until he was sentenced to serve a two and half-year prison sentence which made him unable to continue his membership in the chamber according to the Sri Lankan Constitution. However, he requested the Court of Appeal to issue writs against the cashiering, prison sentence and removal from parliament. The petition on the prison sentence was rejected in December 2011 and he appealed to the Supreme Court in January 2012.
Post release
A midst local and international pressure president Mahinda Rajapaksa signed the order documents for the release of Fonseka during May 2012.
In September 2012, DNA MP Tiran Alles resigned from the post of Secretary of the Democratic National Party headed by Sarath Fonseka. Alles was in the media spotlight as he held several rounds of discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaksa to secure the release of Sarath Fonseka. In October 2012, National Bhikku Front and DNA called for a movement for abolition of the executive presidency under the joint leadership of UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya and Fonseka. Despite the fact that Jayasuriya requested the permission, United National Party leadership ordered its members to boycott the rally which was scheduled to be held at Hyde Park Colombo. Also in the same month, party deputy leader Arjuna Ranatunga resigned from the party.
Presidential election 2015
In November 2012, party chairman Jayantha Ketagoda resigned from the position. Fonseka extended his support to Maithripala Sirisena in the 2015 Sri Lankan presidential election. Following his victory, President Sirisena gave Fonseka a complete presidential pardon and acquitted of all charges on 22 January 2015, restoring his civic rights. The pardon restored his military rank and decorations as well as his pension. He also requested reinstatement of his parliamentary seat which was taken by a member of his party after he lost it due to his conviction. Fonseka joined the United National Party on 30 June 2016 and was appointed the chief organizer of Kalaniya seat of the party.
Promotion to Field Marshal
On 22 March 2015, Fonseka was promoted to the newly created rank of Field Marshal by President Maithripala Sirisena. He is currently ranked 5th in the table of precedence in Sri Lanka.
General election 2015
Field Marshal Fonseka, contested the 2015 general election from his Democratic Party from Colombo district, however he was not elected neither was his party able to secure a seat during the election.
Joining the UNP
In February 2016, Sarath Fonseka signed a collective agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and the ruling United National Party (UNP). The MoU was signed by Fonseka as the leader of the Democratic Party and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the UNP leader. The two leaders exchanged agreements for the Democratic Party to join the United National Front (UNF), the coalition led by the UNP.
Cabinet Minister (2016-2018)
On 9 February 2016, he took the oath as a Member of Parliament for the seat vacated by the death of M. K. A. D. S. Gunawardana, and on 25 February, he was appointed as Cabinet Minister of Regional Development by President Sirisena which he led till May 2018, when he was appointed Cabinet Minister of Wildlife and Sustainable Development.
During the 2018 Sri Lankan constitutional crisis, he lost his ministerial post and was not reappointed by President Sirisena at the end of the crisis. During the crisis, Sirisena had claimed that the name of Fonseka had come up in the investigation of the CID but was suppressed.
Proposed Minister of Law and Order
Following the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings, the UNP led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe requested President Sirisena to appoint Fonseka as Minister of Law and Order. President Sirisena turned down the request.
Presidential election 2024
Fonseka contested for presidency again in 2024 as an independent candidate. Following his announcement, he resigned as the chairman of Samagi Jana Balawegaya. Fonseka was placed in a distant 9th position in the first count of votes with only 22,407 votes, thus eliminating from the race.
Personal life
Sarath Fonseka is married to Anoma Indumathi Munasinghe, daughter of D. J. and Eugine Munasinghe of Dematagoda, and has two daughters Aparna and Apsara.
Awards and decorations
During his military career, Fonseka received the gallantry medals Rana Wickrama Padakkama with two bars and Rana Sura Padakkama with four bars; the service medals Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya, Uttama Seva Padakkama and the Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal with a clasp; wound medal Desha Putra Sammanaya with bar; the campaign medals Eastern Humanitarian Operations Medal, Northern Humanitarian Operations Medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, North and East Operations Medal with two clasps, Vadamarachchi Operation Medal, and the Riviresa Campaign Services Medal with clasp; and the commemorative medals Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Services Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal, Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal, President's Inauguration Medal.
See also
- Eelam War IV
- Sri Lankan civil war
- Commander of the Army (Sri Lanka)
- Chief of Defence Staff
- White Flag case
Notes
- Only for the 2010 presidential elections
References
- ^ General G. S. C. Fonseka RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc Archived 7 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Ministry of Defence, Retrieved 29 March 2015
- ^ Prosecuting and persecuting the war hero – General Fonseka Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine, By Somar Wijayadasa, The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka), Retrieved 29 March 2015
- Sarath Fonseka becomes Lanka’s first field marshal Archived 30 March 2015 at the Wayback Machine - The Times of India, Retrieved 29 March 2015
- ^ Fonseka to become first Sri Lankan Field Marshal, Khaleej Times (UAE), Retrieved 29 March 2015
- ^ Gen. GSC Fonseka elevated to the rank of 'Field Marshal' Archived 5 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka), Retrieved 29 March 2015
- ^ Sarath Fonseka to be bestowed with Field Marshal Title Archived 2 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine NEWS.LK (The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka), Retrieved 29 March 2015
- ^ General Fonseka Made Field Marshal - P.K.Balachandran, The Indian Express, Retrieved 29 March 2015
- Shihar Aneez (23 March 2015). "Sri Lanka promotes former general who defeated Tigers to field marshal". reuters.com.
- ^ The taking of Elephant Pass Archived 29 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine, D.B.S. JEYARAJ Frontline (magazine), Volume 17 - Issue 10, May. 13 - 26, 2000, Retrieved 29 March 2015
- ^ Army Commander revisits early beginnings Archived 10 October 2024 at the Wayback Machine, Shanika SRIYANANDA, Sunday Observer, Retrieved 17 May 2015
- ^ Nation Salutes War Veteran, General Sarath Fonseka (Retd) Conferring Field Marshal Rank Archived 2 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, army.lk, Retrieved 25 March 2015
- ^ Sri Lanka's top general wounded in suicide attack Archived 30 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine, The Sydney Morning Herald, Retrieved 29 March 2015
- ^ Medical battle that saved the Army Commander Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine By Chinthaka Fernando, The Sunday Leader, Retrieved 29 March 2015
- ^ "Mia Bloom – What the Tigers Taught Al-Qaeda". Washington Post. 24 May 2009. Archived from the original on 18 December 2017. Retrieved 30 October 2017.
- ^ Three Service Commanders promoted: news.lk. Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order, Retrieved on 18 May 2009
- Sri Lanka rehabilitates ex-army chief Sarath Fonseka Archived 10 October 2024 at the Wayback Machine, Charles Haviland, BBC News, Retrieved 29 March 2015
- ^ Mehta, Maj. Gen. (Retd) Raj K. (2010). Lost Victory: The Rise & Fall of LTTE Supremo, V. Prabhakaran. Pentagon Press. pp. 13, 118, 330–338, 360–8, 377, 380, 401–11. ISBN 978-8182744431.
- ^ Review - Gota’s War -Final- revised Archived 17 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine By Major General (Retired) Lalin Fernando, Asian Tribune, Retrieved 18 May 2015
- Haviland, Charles (16 November 2009). "S Lanka army head leaves abruptly". BBC News. Archived from the original on 19 November 2009. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
- "Sri Lanka military chief resigns". BBC News. 12 November 2009. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
- Former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka in military custody, Media Center for National Security
- ^ THE NIGHT THE AMBALANGODA LION ROARED DEFIANCE Archived 13 February 2016 at the Wayback Machine - D.B.S. Jeyaraj (Daily Mirror) Retrieved 14 February 2016
- Sri Lanka jails ex-army chief Fonseka AFP – 17 September 2010
- ^ Ex-army chief Sarath Fonseka, jailed for treason, made field marshal in Sri Lanka Archived 10 October 2024 at the Wayback Machine, The Guardian, Retrieved 29 March 2015
- "Sarath Fonseka acquitted of all charges". www.news.lk. Archived from the original on 21 April 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
- "Sri Lanka rehabilitates top general". BBC News. 21 January 2015. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- "President chief guest at Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka's book launch". island.lk. 29 June 2024. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
- "Sarath Fonseka announces Presidential candidacy". www.dailymirror.lk. 25 July 2024. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- General Fonseka visits his first school in Ampara Archived 13 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Lanka Truth, Retrieved on 7 January 2010.
- Meteoric rise of Ananda's patriotic sons Archived 5 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Rasika SOMARATNA, Daily News, Retrieved 4 May 2015
- ^ Ananda inspires students to serve the Nation Archived 5 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Daily News, Retrieved 4 May 2015
- Operation Liberation One Archived 10 October 2024 at the Wayback Machine, The Sunday Times, Retrieved 6 April 2015
- Full text of H.Efs speech at the War Heroes commemoration event at the Ananda College Archived 12 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Old Anandians Web Japan, Retrieved 6 April 2015
- Sri Lanka taught world the art of humane ops-President Archived 19 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Ministry of Defence, Retrieved 6 April 2015
- FSP leader Kumar Gunaratnam fought a Guerilla war against the Indian army: Security Forces Archived 2 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, By D.B.S.Jeyaraj, The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka), Retrieved 29 March 2015
- ^ We built too many walls and not enough bridges Archived 2 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, By Keerthi Ratnayaka, Sri Lanka Guardian, Retrieved 31 March 2015
- ^ 2002-2003 controversy over Jaffna HSZ Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine by Shamindra Ferdinando, The Island, Retrieved 17 May 2015
- LTTE DEMONSTRATIONS IN JAFFNA AND VAVUNIYA BURN EFFIGIES OF JAFFNA COMMANDER SARATH FONSEKA AND DEMAND ARMY TO QUIT Archived 2 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, By Walter Jayawardhana, (LankaWeb), Retrieved 31 March 2015
- HSZ row: Story behind the story Archived 10 October 2024 at the Wayback Machine The Sunday Times, Retrieved 24 February 2016
- De-escalation Plan proposed by Security Forces Commander, Jaffna Peninsula, Maj. Gen. Sarath Fonseka, to Enable Re-settlement of Civilians in High Security Zones, December 20, 2002 Archived 27 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine South Asia Terrorism Portal, Retrieved 24 February 2016
- ^ The Man of the Moment : Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka Archived 2 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine, Business Today, Retrieved 17 May 2015
- ^ Infantry Innovations: Sri Lanka’s Experience Archived 23 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine by LTC (Retired) Ivan Welch, U.S. Army Infantry Magazine, Retrieved 17 May 2015
- ^ Strategic Analysis of Sri Lankan Military’s Counter-Insurgency Operations Archived 28 March 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Sergei DeSilva-Ranasinghe, Future Directions International, Retrieved 17 May 2015
- Fonseka still critical after suicide bomb attack Archived 3 July 2022 at the Wayback Machine, Tamil Guardian, Retrieved 29 March 2015
- If This is Called Peace, Time Magazine, Retrieved on 30 April 2006.
- ^ General Sarath Fonseka reassumes the office Archived 2 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Ministry of Defence website, Retrieved 29 March 2015
- Jayawardhane, Kalathma. "Release person imprisoned over my suicide attack: SF". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 20 March 2016. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
- "Bomb targets Sri Lanka army chief". BBC News. 25 April 2006. Archived from the original on 30 September 2009. Retrieved 25 December 2009.
- ^ Mi 24s role in eelam war IV emphasised Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine by Shamindra Ferdinando, The Island, Retrieved 17 May 2015
- Refurbishing the Armed Forces Archived 3 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine By Tissa Ravindra Perera, The Nation, Retrieved 18 May 2015
- Now Mechanized Infantry moves to ME hot spot Archived 18 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine By Shamindra Ferdinando, The Island, Retrieved 18 May 2015
- Tigers Get Ready to Face the Mechanized Infantry of the Army in North by D.B.S.Jeyaraj, transcurrents, Retrieved 17 May 2015
- "Innovation to Engage" the Medal Awarding ceremony of the Mechanized Infantry Regiment Archived 5 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka), Retrieved 23 May 2015
- SF denies claim of 40,000 civilian deaths in Vanni, says his men paid heavy price by not using heavy weapons By Shamindra Ferdinando, The Island, Retrieved 21 May 2015
- ^ General Sarath Fonseka reveals untold story of Eelam War IV Archived 2 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, By Malik Gunatilleke, Daily FT, Retrieved 21 March 2015
- Lanka seeks India help to ‘finish’ LTTE faster Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine, The Tribune, Retrieved 15 June 2015
- President's Tiger deal exposed Archived 11 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine - Sonali Samarasinghe (The Sunday Leader) Retrieved 14-02-2016
- The return of Emil Kanthan Archived 7 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine - Manjula Fernando (Sunday Observer) Retrieved 14-02-2016
- Rajapakse invites LTTE leader for peace talks - V.S. Sambandan (The Hindu) Retrieved 14-02-2016
- Colombo to continue to maintain CFA with LTTE Archived 10 October 2024 at the Wayback Machine - TamilNet Retrieved 14-02-2016
- Opposition speak out ahead of crucial vote Archived 22 February 2016 at the Wayback Machine - Dharisha Bastians (Daily FT) Retrieved 14-02-2016
- Fonseka to continue in politics while protecting respect Archived 26 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine, adaderana.lk, Retrieved 15 June 2015
- "He Told the task accomplished". Official government defence site. Archived from the original on 21 May 2009. Retrieved 21 May 2009. Press Release, Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order.
- Sri Lankan warrior has president in his sights Archived 18 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Telegraph (UK), Retrieved on 17 January 2010.
- "General intentions". The Economist. 19 November 2009. Archived from the original on 10 December 2009. Retrieved 15 December 2009.
- Army celebrates 60 years as bishop of Colombo calls for peace and harmony Archived 2 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, by Melani Manel Perera, AsiaNews, Retrieved 29 March 2015
- Tribute to the fallen Archived 20 December 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka), Retrieved on 16 November 2009.
- General Fonseka launches political campaign Archived 20 August 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Lanka News Papers, Retrieved on 17 August 2009.
- "Is Lt.Gen Sarath Fonseka nurturing a Political Ambition After Retirement?". Archived from the original on 14 December 2008.
- "President Rajapaksa calls for early election". Indian Express. 23 November 2009. Archived from the original on 13 August 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
- Sarath Fonseka’s Election Manifesto Archived 22 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine. indi.ca (7 January 2010). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.
- SF vows to punish thieves of public funds Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine, By Harischandra Gunaratna, The Island, Retrieved 15 June 2015
- Reddy, B. Muralidhar (9 January 2010). "Tamil National Alliance announced support for General Fonseka". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
- “Gota Ordered Them To Be Shot” – General Sarath Fonseka | The Sunday Leader Archived 13 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Thesundayleader.lk (13 December 2009). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.
- Rajapaksa Gets Astounding 98% Of Time On State Media | The Sunday Leader Archived 30 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Thesundayleader.lk (24 January 2010). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.
- http://lankainfoonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32:fonseka-denies-sunday-leader-report&catid=3:news&Itemid=1
- "Will expose arms deals – Ilangamge". Lankannewspapers.com. 12 January 2010. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
- Reddy, B. Muralidhar (7 January 2010). "Fonseka accused of making 'secret pact' with TNA". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
- The Mahinda Rajapakse-Douglas Devananda Agreement: | The Sunday Leader Archived 17 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Thesundayleader.lk (20 December 2009). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.
- "Army deserters at leading hotel". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
- We do not accept the distorted result of the election – General Fonseka Archived 13 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Lankatruth.com (28 January 2010). Retrieved on 23 March 2011.
- "Sri Lanka poll victory challenged". BBC News. 27 January 2010. Archived from the original on 17 July 2022. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
- "Beaten Sri Lankan general considers asylum in Australia". ABC News Australia. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 29 January 2010.
- "Gen Fonseka arrested, to be court martialled". Times Now. 9 February 2010. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
- "CID seals 'Lanka' office premises". Daily mirror. 30 January 2010. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
- "Sri Lankan general held in crackdown". the Guardian. 8 February 2010. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
- "9000 political prisoners including Sarath Fonseka 9000 political prisoners including Sarath Fonseka". Ada Derana. Archived from the original on 1 March 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
- "Fonseka to face Court Marshal: MCNS". Ada Derana. 9 February 2010. Archived from the original on 10 February 2010. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
- "General Fonseka arrested" Archived 10 October 2024 at the Wayback Machine, Daily Mirror, 8 February 2010
- "General Fonseka's Lawyers to Challenge His Court Martial Trial | GroundReport". Archived from the original on 7 April 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- "President ratifies stripping of Fonseka". www.sundaytimes.lk. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
- "Sri Lanka's jailed ex-army chief Fonseka given new term". BBC News. 18 November 2011. Archived from the original on 25 October 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- "Sri Lanka: 2nd Sentence for Ex-General Sarath Fonseka". The New York Times. 18 November 2011. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
- "Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka Latest Breaking News and Headlines". www.dailymirror.lk. Archived from the original on 18 July 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
- "Department of Election". Archived from the original on 13 April 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
- "Sri Lanka's Sarath Fonseka freed from prison". BBC News. 21 May 2012. Archived from the original on 23 February 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- Burke, Jason (20 May 2012). "Sri Lankan president orders release of Sarath Fonseka". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- The Fonseka Agenda Archived 10 October 2024 at the Wayback Machine, Colombo Telegraph, Retrieved 15 June 2015
- "Tiran Alles resigns from DNP Secretary Post". www.adaderana.lk. Archived from the original on 15 November 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
- "Karu writes to Ranil over WC decision to restrict members' activism with United Bhikku Front | DailyFT - be Empowered". Archived from the original on 19 October 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
- "The Island". www.island.lk. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
- "Times Online - Daily Online Edition of The Sunday Times Sri Lanka". www.sundaytimes.lk. Archived from the original on 18 October 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
- "Ceylon Today | MP Ranatunga resigns from DP". Archived from the original on 21 January 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
- "Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka Latest Breaking News and Headlines". Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
- "Mirror.lk". Archived from the original on 19 February 2013. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
- "Sarath Fonseka goes to Court seeking his Parliamentary seat". Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
- It was the people who won – General Sarath Fonseka Archived 10 October 2024 at the Wayback Machine by Ranil Wijayapala, Sunday Observer, Retrieved 15 June 2015
- "Minister Sarath Fonseka obtains UNP membership". www.adaderana.lk. Archived from the original on 2 July 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
- Field Marshal Fonseka Salutes Memories of Fallen War Heroes Archived 27 March 2015 at the Wayback Machine, army.lk, Retrieved 29 March 2015
- "Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 May 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
- "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - "Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka Fails To Obtain Parliament Seat In The Sri Lankan General Election 2015". sinhayanews.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2015. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
- "Secret behind Fonseka's re-entry". Ceylon Today. 14 February 2016. Archived from the original on 15 February 2016. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
- "Fonseka takes oath as MP". Ada Derrana. 9 February 2016. Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
- "Right on Field Marshal!". Sunday Times. 14 February 2016. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
- "Sarath Fonseka sworn in as Cabinet Minister". 25 February 2016. Archived from the original on 28 February 2016. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
- "President says plot linked to Fonseka was game changer". The Sunday Times Sri Lanka. Archived from the original on 26 January 2020. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
- "Minister of Law and Order - Prez rejects request to appoint SF". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 18 July 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
- "Sarath Fonseka officially announces candidacy for 2024 Presidential Election". www.adaderana.lk. Archived from the original on 2 October 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- "Sarath Fonseka resigns as SJB's Chairman". www.adaderana.lk. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- "Sri Lanka Presidential Election 2024 Live Update". election.newswire.lk. Archived from the original on 24 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- "All for the love of a soldier". Sunday Observer. 7 October 2007. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
- Nation Salutes War Veteran, General Sarath Fonseka (Retd) Conferring Field Marshal Rank: army.lk
External links
Official sites
News media
Audio
Interactive
Military offices | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded byShantha Kottegoda | Commander of the Sri Lankan Army 6 December 2005 – 15 July 2009 |
Succeeded byJagath Jayasuriya |
Preceded byDonald Perera | Chief of Defence Staff 2009 – 15 November 2009 |
Succeeded byRoshan Goonatilake |
Categories:
- 1950 births
- Living people
- People from Ambalangoda
- Candidates in the 2010 Sri Lankan presidential election
- Candidates in the 2024 Sri Lankan presidential election
- Chiefs of the Defence Staff (Sri Lanka)
- Commanders of the Sri Lanka Army
- Failed assassination attempts in Sri Lanka
- Members of the 14th Parliament of Sri Lanka
- Members of the 15th Parliament of Sri Lanka
- Members of the 16th Parliament of Sri Lanka
- Prisoners and detainees of Sri Lanka
- Samagi Jana Balawegaya politicians
- Sinha Regiment officers
- Sri Lankan field marshals
- Sri Lankan Buddhists
- Sri Lankan politicians convicted of crimes
- Sri Lankan prisoners and detainees
- Sri Lankan Army personnel who were court-martialled
- Sri Lanka Military Academy graduates
- Graduates of the Royal College of Defence Studies
- Alumni of Ananda College
- Alumni of Dharmasoka College
- Recipients of Sri Lankan presidential pardons