About Sarath Fonseka

General Sarath Chandralal Fonseka, immensely popular in Sri Lanka and the world over, is the former commander of the Sri Lanka Army and the former Chief of Defense Staff of Sri Lanka. Acclaimed internationally as the chief architect who led his fellow soldiers and officers to victory against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), he was the only serving officer to be promoted to a four star rank in the Sri Lanka Army.

General Sarath Fonseka comes from a family of well respected educators in Sri Lanka. Peter Fonseka, Sarath Fonseka’s father was a well respected school principal and General Fonseka’s mother was a dedicated school teacher. Sarath Fonseka’s parents inculcated noble values, discipline, humility, a sense of selfless sacrifice and patriotism in their son.

After having chosen a career in the Army in 1970 to serve this great nation, Sarath Fonseka met his life partner Anoma in 1972. They entered wedded life in 1979 and have two daughters Apsara and Aparna. While a career in the Army meant that he had to spend time away from his family, he always made sure that he was a devoted husband to his wife and a loving and caring father to his daughters.

As a caring mother and dutiful wife, Anoma made sure that their daughters always appreciated the sacrifices that their father was making for the country. Mrs. Fonseka's work went beyond her immediate family, she made sure to reach out to the families of other servicemen and women and worked in various charities to improve the family lives of the brave soldiers severing this country.

After surviving two deadly attacks in the battle field and miraculously surviving a suicide attempt on his life, General Fonseka returned with more determination and unwavering courage to lead his men to victory against the LTTE.

Widely known among his peers in Sri Lanka and globally as a man of integrity, General Fonseka has an unblemished track record as a leader who stood up against corruption, special interests and lobbyists, within and outside the military. In the army he introduced merit over seniority, a first for the nation.

Sarath Fonseka does not hesitate to speak the truth, and throughout his career he has often challenged his friends and foes alike, whether it be his fellow officers or his superiors, and has gained a reputation as a man of honesty and humility.

More importantly, General Foneska is a man who has devoted his entire life to the service of his fellow citizens. Leaving aside his personal comforts and perks, General Foneska has demonstrated that he can, and will achieve what is good for his county and for his fellow citizens.

General Foneska’s experience in military matters made him a very popular figure among all Sri Lankan citizens. Many statesmen admired his courage, stance on military matters, and his astute policy insights into governance and strengthening democracy. As a moderate he has been able to achieve the unthinkable in Sri Lanka’s political history. Due to his determination to put his country before himself, he has been able to unite major political parties and ethnic communities to work with him to guide our beloved motherland to a prosperous future; a place where every citizen regardless of their ethnicity, religion and identity can live freely with pride and dignity.