 Complete the following phrase:  Fonseka had joined the Sri Lanka Army in 1970 and was commissioned as a second lieutet in June 1971 and rose through the ranks while completing training stints across South Asia and in the United States and the United Kingdom. He saw extensive action throughout the 26-year civil war and over the years acquired a reputation as a tough battlefield commander and was often in the thick of the action in fighting against the Tamil Tigers, culminating in a term as Commander of the Army from 6 December 2005  15 July 2009. As commander, he oversaw the 