It is time for the State to elevate Lt. General Sarath Fonseka to the rank of a four star General or better still to the rank of Field Marshall. The latter rank has precedence in times of war and is in fact what he deserves.

If we, as a nation, could have elevated arm chair tacticians who never fought in battle and ex-politicians posthumously to the rank of four star General, it goes without saying that a hero who saved the nation after a 30 year stalemate, and who was seriously hurt in the process, deserves such an honor if not more.

I urge my fellow Sri Lankans to write to the President and let it be known that the people of Sri Lanka wish that our greatest hero in modern times be suitably honored for his contribution above and beyond the call of duty.

Having suffered horrific injury at the hands of a member of the band of blood thirsty killers Lt. Gen. Fonseka was soon back at work unfazed and fearless with little concern for his own safety, epitomizing the sentiments in the Roman lyrical poet Horace’s saying "Dulce et decorum est pro patria morit" - "It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country".