Erwin Rommel vs Sarath Fonseka

Rommel commanded the 7th Panzer Division during the invasion of France. His division advanced rapidly, earning the nickname 'Ghost Division' for its speed and surprise attacks. The campaign resulted in the capture of French forces and the fall of France.

Rommel's Afrika Korps besieged the Australian and British garrison at Tobruk. Despite repeated assaults, the garrison held out for 240 days, tying down German forces and preventing Rommel from advancing into Egypt.

Rommel launched an offensive against British forces at Gazala, outflanking the British line and capturing Tobruk. The victory was Rommel's greatest, earning him promotion to Field Marshal, but it overextended his supply lines.

Rommel's Afrika Korps attacked British defensive positions at El Alamein but failed to break through. The battle halted the German advance into Egypt and marked the beginning of the Axis retreat in North Africa.

Rommel was implicated in the July 20 plot to assassinate Hitler. Given the choice between a public trial and suicide with a state funeral, Rommel chose suicide. He was forced to take cyanide, and his death was officially reported as a heart attack.

As Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Fonseka led the military campaign that defeated the LTTE in May 2009, ending the 26-year civil war. He oversaw the final offensive in the Vanni region, which resulted in the death of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and the collapse of the separatist movement.

Following the military victory over the LTTE, Fonseka was appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. This position made him the highest-ranking military officer, but he resigned within months to enter politics.

After contesting the 2010 presidential election against Mahinda Rajapaksa and losing, Fonseka was arrested by the military on charges of corruption and engaging in politics while in uniform. He was sentenced to three years in prison, sparking domestic and international criticism.

After being released from prison, Fonseka was elected to Parliament in the 2015 general election as a member of the United National Party (UNP). He served as a Member of Parliament until 2020, representing the Colombo District.