Service extensions to Army and Navy Commanders  
[Thursday, September 20, 2007 - 3.30 GMT]   

The tenures of service of the Sri Lanka’s Army and Navy commanders have been extended by one year by President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday.

Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, an infantryman and battle hardened officer, took over as Army Commander on 6th December 2005. Under his leadership, the Sri Lanka Army has played a key role in liberating the Eastern Province from the LTTE. Lt. Gen. Fonseka sustained serious injuries when an LTTE suicide bomber made an attempt on his life on 25th April 2006.

The service extension given to the Army Commander comes into effect from 17th December 2007.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda assumed Command of the Sri Lanka Navy on 1st September 2005. In the 55-year history of the Sri Lanka Navy, he is the only officer to be considered for Commander of the Navy direct from a Naval Area Command. The Sri Lanka Navy has in recent months carried out many successful operations against the LTTE, especially it gun-running activities, sinking nine LTTE arms-carrying vessels. The Navy has also had major successes against the LTTE’s Sea Tigers, and has provided important cover for the Army in operations against the LTTE.

Vice Admiral Karannagoda's service extension comes in to affect from 22nd November 2007.

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Last Updated Date: September 20, 2007 - 3.30 GMT