In Sri Lanka, General Sarath Fonseka today bid farewell to the army and said he will announce his future plans in a couple of days, as speculation mounted that the architect of Sri Lanka's military victory over LTTE may be the opposition candidate in the next presidential polls.<br/>President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed Air Force Chief Roshan Gunathilleke as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in place of Fonseka. Gunathileke, has been given the new appointment in addition to his current post. This follows the acceptance of resignation of Fonseka from the post with immediate effect.<br/>AIR correspondent Kanchan reports from Colombo that the four decade military career of the celebrated war hero General Sarath Fonseka, who led the Sri Lankan Army against the LTTE, ended with President Mahinda Rajapaksa naming of Air Chief Roshan Gunathilleke as his successor. Air Chief would also look after the post of Chief of Defence Staff held by General Fonseka. By accepting his pre mature retirement two weeks ahead desired by the General, the government has virtually pushed him to the political frontline, ahead of general and anticipated Presidential election.<br/>That there is no love lost between the President and Retd Gen. Fonseka was more than evident during the national convention of his party held yesterday. Mr. Rajapaksa bemoaned before his supporters that when development is the new mantra in post-Prabakaran Lanka, patriots could turn traitors for political reasons and said that such elements will only honour the last wish of LTTE leader Prabakaran whose plan was to divide the military and the people. In his comments to media minutes before he ceased to be an officer in uniform, Gen. Fonsekal said attempts to politicise military does not augur well for the country. Asked about his future plans, he counseled patience for two days. Influential sections of Sri Lanka opposition parties are plugging for the retired General as a possible consensus candidate against Mr. Rajapaksa in the event of an election.<br/><br/>