COLOMBO: Recognising the notable successes of the Sri Lankan army against the LTTE in the on-going Eelam War IV, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has extended the services of the incumbent army chief, Lt.Gen.Sarath Fonseka, for a year from December 18.
The tough as nails General Fonseka has changed the character of the Sri Lankan army fundamentally.
He introduced a new system for giving assignments, commands and promotions, a system followed by the Indian army. Mere seniority and political connections ceased to be the criteria. Rationally assessed and proven competence became the sole criterion.
More importantly he made the army shed its traditionally static posture or “bunker mentality” and venture forth into enemy territory to seek its prey.
Fonseka also formed several fronts and attacked the enemy from all sides leaving no escape routes, capturing LTTE strongholds.
It is now left to be seen if the Lankan army can hold on to the territory in the face of the LTTE’s guerilla warfare.