Sarath Fonseka

ModernGeneralSri Lanka1950 — ?

War-winning army commander, imprisoned then MP.

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Quick Facts

Born

1950

Country

Sri Lanka

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)85

Political (20%)34

Influence (20%)59

Legacy (20%)50

Leadership (15%)47

Strategy (15%)68

Total Score54.7

Sarath Fonseka — Complete Timeline

2009 AD

Led the Sri Lankan Army to Defeat the LTTEWar

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.

Civil War VictoryLTTE DefeatMilitary Campaign

Impact: national

Appointed Chief of Defence StaffPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

Chief of Defence StaffMilitaryResignation

Impact: national

2010 AD

Imprisoned by the Rajapaksa GovernmentPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

ImprisonmentPolitical RepressionRajapaksa

Impact: nationaltragic

2015 AD

Elected as a Member of ParliamentPolitical Action

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.

Member of ParliamentUNPPolitical Comeback

Impact: nationalconstructive