Gardihewa Sarath Chandralal Fonseka (Leaders)

known as Sarath Fonseka, born on December 18, 1950, is a former commander and General of the Sri Lanka Army and a former candidate for President of Sri Lanka. As Commander of the Army, he played an instrumental role in ending the 26 year Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009, defeating the militant Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the process. He later had a public falling out with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and unsuccessfully challenged Rajapaksa in the 2010 presidential election.

Fonseka joined the Sri Lanka Army in 1970 and saw action throughout the 26 year civil war, culminating in a term as commander from December 6, 2005 – July 15, 2009. As commander, he oversaw the the final phase of the civil war which resulted in the defeat of the militant Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam organization. Fonseka has been described as Sri Lanka’s most successful army commander, and his run of significant military victories against the LTTE during Eelam War IV led the Indian National Security Advisor Mayankote Kelath Narayanan to describe him as the “best army commander in the world”. On April 25, 2006 Fonseka survived an assassination attempt when an LTTE suicide bomber attacked his motorcade. Following the end of the war he was appointed Chief of Defence Staff, a post from which he retired on November 16th, 2009.

Born to Peter and Piyawathie Fonseka of Ambalangoda, he had his education at Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda (1958-1965) and Ananda College, Colombo (1966-1969). Fonseka is a sportsman who participated in swimming and water polo events, representing defense services and the country.

Sarath Fonseka Officially handed over his resignation to the President through the Secretary of Defence on 12th November 2009. He left the Office on 16th November 2009, as the President had requested him to vacate the office immediately.

At a press conference held in Colombo on 29th November 2009, Generela Sarath Fonseka formally announced his candidacy at the next Presidential election scheduled to be held on 26 January 2010.