Gen. Fonseka’s Dream runs into trouble

( March 5, 2015, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The promotion of Gen. Sarath Fonseka, leader of the Democratic Party, to the rank of field marshal on March 22 has run into trouble following a request by him to absorb him into active service of the Army, say defence ministry sources.

Several leading figures in the government have objected to Fonseka being thus given the opportunity to give orders to the Army.

It is appropriate to give him the ranking in recognition of his commitment to defeat the LTTE, but it should be a nominal one only, they have proposed to the president.

The president is yet to take a decision on this matter, but has advised Fonseka to prepare his uniform and stars and stripes to suit the field marshal position.

Meanwhile, Fonseka’s appointment of several officers loyal to him to top positions in the Army has been reversed.

On the orders of the president and the prime minister, the new Army commander has annulled those postings.