Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka confirmed that he will stand in elections in future, adding that his military rank is no hindrance to it. He said that Field Marshals have even become Heads of States in democratic countries.

Speaking to media at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya on Tuesday (24), Field Marshal Fonseka stated that he will not be engaging in politics while wearing uniform. As a military man, he is giving due respect to the uniform he is wearing, Fonseka added.

He said that he will get involved if he feels that the security of the country is in jeopardy.

However, he said that he will definitely stand in elections to come. He said Five Star military officers have been engaged in politics and have even become Heads of State in countries which value democracy. Since he is not involved in any administrative or operational activity in the army, he will have enough time to engage in politics, Fonseka said.

The 34th US President Dwight D. Eisenhower was the best known five-star general who became a head of state. He was elected as president in 1952 and again in 1956. The current President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is also a Field Marshal. However, there is debate on the level of democracy in Egypt. Meanwhile, former Ugandan President Idi Amin promoted himself to the rank of Field Marshal.