UNP Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa today announced that Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka would be given the highest responsibility in the national defence establishment under his own presidency.

Addressing the inaugural rally of his presidential campaign, Premadasa said Fonseka was the most suitable person to head the defence apparatus.

"He is not a cardboard hero. He is the person who led the final military assault on the LTTE," Premadasa added.

The UNP Presidential candidate expressed confidence that the country will be in safe hands with Fonseka at the helm of the national defence apparatus.

Premadasa also expressed his utmost gratitude to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for making a "great sacrifice" to nominate him as the Presidential candidate.