Field marshal (Sri Lanka)

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 Sri Lanka Air Force.[1]

Field Marshal
National emblem over a crossed baton and saber in a lotus blossom wreath.
Star insignia of Field marshal
Country Sri Lanka
Service branch Sri Lanka Army
AbbreviationFM
RankFive star
NATO rankOF 10
Formation22 March 2015
Next higher rankNone
Next lower rankGeneral
Equivalent ranks Sri Lanka Navy - Admiral of the Fleet
 Sri Lanka Air Force - Marshal of the Air Force
Comparative military ranks in English
Armies Navies Air forces
Commissioned officers
Field marshal or
General of the army		 Admiral of
the fleet		 Marshal of
the air force
General Admiral Air chief marshal
Lieutenant general Vice admiral Air marshal
Major general Rear admiral Air vice-marshal
Brigadier or
brigadier general		 Commodore Air commodore
Colonel Captain Group captain
Lieutenant colonel Commander Wing commander
Major or
commandant		 Lieutenant
commander		 Squadron leader
Captain Lieutenant Flight lieutenant
Lieutenant or
first lieutenant		 Lieutenant
junior grade or
sub-lieutenant		 Flying officer
Second lieutenant Ensign or
midshipman		 Pilot officer
Officer cadet Officer cadet Flight cadet
Enlisted grades
Warrant officer or
sergeant major		 Warrant officer or
chief petty officer		 Warrant officer
Sergeant Petty officer Sergeant
Corporal or
bombardier		 Leading seaman Corporal
Private or
gunner or
trooper		 Seaman Aircraftman or
airman

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.

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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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