The first copy of the book was presented to the President by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka.
Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka also presented a memento to the President.
While praising the service of Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, the President said that he not only won the war, but also faced various political challenges and would be of great service to the country in the future.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe who further commented here,
“Only Sarath Fonseka holds the rank of Field Marshal. While he conquered war challenges, he also faced political challenges outside of it.
I got to know him through General Cecil Vaidyaratne during the war. General Cecil Vaidyaratne is a recent acquaintance of mine. Cecil Vaidyaratne said that this officer has a bright future and should be given opportunities for it. I knew most of the officers in the government who had participated in the war during and after the war. Then many great officers emerged and in their ranks Sarath Fonseka found a great place.
Especially in Jaffna, the Jayasikuru struggle ended in defeat and the army lost many of its gains. At that time I was the Prime Minister and there was a question of who should hand over Jaffna. At that time, many people were dead and wounded, so the number of soldiers was reduced. Some said that a brigade for Jaffna was necessary. Then I told the army commander that we will hand over Jaffna to Sarath Fonseka. Actions were taken accordingly.
He got up from where he fell and moved on to war victory. Difficult decisions had to be made for that. War is not like a cricket match. There will be casualties. Assets will be lost. In spite of that he had the power to lead the war.
We are facing the worst war in the world. Similar wars are still seen in other countries. Afghanistan war started before Sri Lanka. Sarath Fonseka has fulfilled his responsibility in that way.
He has also faced many challenges in civil life as well. Then he became a strong man during his isolation and imprisonment. So Sarath Fonseka was given the status of field marshal in discussion with President Maithripala Sirisena during the Nalakshi government. He also accepted it as he deserved it.
We benefited from Sarath Fonseka’s choice as a government. He is a fighter. He did not give up the struggle in the war field and in the political field. He can still serve the country. It is necessary for us to get his services. “Old soldiers never die they fade away. In this instance he won’t fade away either, so he is still there.” I believe that the country will have an opportunity to receive services from him in the future.
Sarath Fonseka once said in Jaffna that now the war in the country is over, let us work for peace. I look forward to taking the necessary steps and completing those tasks. I request that we all unite and move the country forward. Our army is full of experience. They can build the country and bring peace.” He also said.
Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka,
“The war was won only because of the dedication of the soldiers. More than fifty thousand soldiers sacrificed their lives. Many were crippled. My condolences to all the families of the soldiers. They sacrificed their lives for the future of our children. They also established peace in the country.
Many said that a political solution should be reached to end the war. Even when I took over as the army chief, the security forces were worried. However we won the thirty years war. The war could not have been won if the blood and sweat of the soldiers had not been made with immense sacrifices. After the war, it is questionable whether the people and the rulers of this country have given due respect to the soldiers.” He also said.
Other religious leaders led by the Maha Sangha, Speaker Mahinda Yappa Abeywardhana, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Member of Parliament Wajira Abeywardhana, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, government officials, ambassadors, former army commanders, Anoma Fonseka and many of his family members were present on the occasion. were participating.
