DHAKA: Sri Lanka’s new government on Sunday conferred the country’s highest military rank of field marshal to former army Chief Sarath Fonseka.

Sarath was jailed on alleged treason charges by the previous regime of Mahinda Rajapaksa, for ‘achieving the victory over terrorism.’

President Maithripala Sirisena awarded the honorary title to retired Gen Fonseka at an official ceremony in the capital, reports the Times of India.

He said ensuring justice for the 64-year-old former army chief was a “responsibility undertaken by the government in our quest for justice for the whole of the army.”

Fonseka, who became the first Sri Lankan to receive the title, was stripped of his rank, pension and medal he received during his 40-year career, and jailed after he unsuccessfully tried to challenge Rajapksa's re-election bid in 2010.

But, the new government used its executive powers to drop all charges against Fonseka. Fonseka led Sri Lankan troops to victory over the Tamil Tigers in 2009.

But, he and Rajapaksa fell out over who deserved the credit for guiding the country to the victory.

He was eventually released under the international pressure in May 2012.

He had said he would testify before international tribunals probing the possible war crimes charges during Sri Lanka’s nearly three-decade conflict with the LTTE.

BDST: 1014 HRS, MAR 23, 2015