| Field marshal | |
| Image Size2: | 100 |
| Image3: | Sri Lanka-army-OF-10.svg |
| Image Size3: | 50 |
| Caption3: | Shoulder insignia for field marshal |
| Country: |  Sri Lanka |
| Abbreviation: | FM |
| Rank: | Five-star rank |
| Formation: | 22 March 2015 |
| Lower Rank: | General |
Field marshal (FM) is the five-star rank of the Sri Lanka Army and ranks immediately above general. the rank has been awarded only once, to Sarath Fonseka as an honorary rank.[1] It is equivalent to admiral of the fleet and marshal of the Sri Lanka Air Force.[2]
A field marshal remains a serving officer on the active list of the Sri Lankan Army for life. It is a honorary position with no command or administrative responsibilities, 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.[3] He can participate in uniform to all ceremonial occasions. An officer of this rank is entitled to an office maintained by the Army along with an aide-de-camp and personal 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.[4] [5]
A field marshal's insignia consists of the National emblem over a crossed batons in a lotus blossom wreath.[6] Field marshals are awarded a Gold-tipped baton (which they may carry on formal occasions), five stars insignia (vehicle star plate) and a personal flag.[7] [8]
The Sri Lanka Army Dress Regulations, lays out the field marshal's uniform. It is in line with the uniform of a general officer (with underling parent regimental traditions) with a few unique variations. These include the gorget patches of the field marshal pattern of gold/silver oak leaf chain of two oak leave, five gold/silver stars on scarlet background with a gold/silver button; worn on Dress No 2A, 4, 5, 5A, 6, 6A, 6B, 7 and 8; and special epaulettes for Dress No 2 and 2A.[9]
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.[4] [10] [11]