His Excellency the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa today (November 17) extended the service of Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka for one year.

Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka who is known to be one of the most battle hardened officers in the Army and an exemplary infantryman, became Army's chief on 6th December 2005. Under his leadership, the Sri Lanka Army has been able to turn the tide in the Sri Lanka's war on terror by liberating the Eastern Province from the clutches of LTTE terror. Starting from Mavil Aru in mid-2006, the Army has achieved historic victories over the terrorists at Sampur, Vakarai, Thoppigala, Silavattura, Madhu, Vidathalthivu, Pooneryn, and Mankulama battles.

General Fonseka sustained serious injuries when an LTTE suicide bomber made an attempt on his life on 25th April 2006.

The service extension given to Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka comes into effect from 18th December 2008.