Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said the promotion of Army Commander Shavendra Silva to the rank of General was deserving. “His promotion is reasonable. During the Defence Ministry debate in parliament I proposed to promote the three commanders to the four star rank. The officers next in line should also be promoted to the three star rank. Promotion of Shavendra is commendable,” he said. Commenting on the promotion of Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne, the Field Marshal said, “We see this promotion as a politically motivated one.”