Field marshal (Sri Lanka)

Field Marshal
National emblem over a crossed baton and saber in a lotus blossom wreath.
Country Sri Lanka
Service branch Sri Lanka Army
Abbreviation FM
Rank Five star
NATO rank OF 10
Formation 22 March 2015
Next higher rank None
Next lower rank General
NaviesArmiesAir forces
Commissioned officers
Admiral of
the fleet		Field marshal or
General of the Army		Marshal of
the air force
AdmiralGeneralAir chief marshal
Vice admiralLieutenant generalAir marshal
Rear admiralMajor generalAir vice-marshal
CommodoreBrigadier or
brigadier general		Air commodore
CaptainColonelGroup captain
CommanderLieutenant colonelWing commander
Lieutenant
commander		Major or
Commandant		Squadron leader
LieutenantCaptainFlight lieutenant
Lieutenant
junior grade or
sub-lieutenant		Lieutenant or
first lieutenant		Flying officer
Ensign or
midshipman		Second lieutenantPilot officer
Officer cadetOfficer cadetFlight cadet
Enlisted grades
Warrant officer or
chief petty officer		Warrant officer or
sergeant major		Warrant officer
Petty officerSergeantSergeant
Leading seamanCorporal or
bombardier		Corporal
SeamanPrivate or
gunner or
trooper		Aircraftman or
airman
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Field Marshal (FM) is a five-star General officer rank and the highest attainable rank in the Sri Lanka Army. Field Marshal is ranked immediately above General and is largely a ceremonial rank, having been awarded only once, to Sarath Fonseka. It is equivalent to Admiral of the Fleet and Marshal of the Air Force.[1]

Privileges

A Field Marshal remains a serving officer on the active list of the Sri Lankan Army for life. It is an honorary position with no command or administrative appointments, and the officer is not subject to the Army Act. Therefore, a Field Marshal is permitted to engage in political activities and take up political appointments. In the order of precedence, the rank holder is equivalent to a cabinet minister. He can wear a full uniform on all ceremonial occasions. An officer of this rank is entitled to an office and staff, as well as all privileges entitled to a serving General for life. This includes pay, an official residence, transport and a security detail. Furthermore, such an officer is entitled to receive a guard of honor composed of four officers and 150 other ranks and a military funeral on his death with a 21-gun salute. The widow of such an officer is entitled to the pay, allowances and residence given to her husband for life.[2][3]

Insignia of rank

A Field Marshal's insignia consists of the National emblem over a crossed batons in a lotus blossom wreath. On appointment, Field marshals are awarded a Gold-tipped baton (which they may carry on formal occasions) and a personal flag.[4][5]

Uniform

A Field Marshal's uniform is unique in that it follows the Sri Lanka Army dress regulations, but is not subject to them.[6] A notable difference is the use of five-star red gorget patches.[7]

List of Field Marshals

Sarath Fonseka was the first and, to date, only Sri Lankan Army officer to be promoted to the rank. He was promoted on 22 March 2015.

References

  1. ↑ "Nation Salutes War Veteran, General Sarath Fonseka (Retd) Conferring Field Marshal Rank". army.lk. Retrieved 2015-03-22.
  2. ↑ Gen. GSC Fonseka elevated to the rank of 'Field Marshal', Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka), Retrieved 29 March 2015
  3. ↑ Field Marshal post with Lifetime cabinet powers for General Sarath Fonseka..!
  4. ↑ "All Ranks, Privileges & Pension Restored for General (Retd) Sarath Fonseka". defence.lk. Retrieved 2015-03-22.
  5. ↑ What makes a Field Marshal, Ramesh Irugalbandara, newsfirst.lk, Retrieved 5 April 2015
  6. ↑ Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka to take oaths as MP tomorrow
  7. ↑ What makes a Field Marshal ?
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