This is despite circulars and orders given to Army officers to obtain prior permission from the commander to meet politicians as well as top officials of the defence ministry and other state institutions.

Reports say the discussion had taken place on the instructions of ex-defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa which they received at a meeting they had with him prior to his departure for the US.

Late last year, pursuant to a request by Gotabhaya Rajapaksa from president Maithripala Sirisena, the latter gave a hurriedly-arranged meeting for nine serving major generals at a wedding in Negombo.

Maj. Gen. Shavendra Silva took time off from a course he was following in India to be there at this meeting.

Army commander’s circular

This incident prompted the Army commander to issue a circular on the procedure of how officers should meet top officials of the defence ministry.

At the meeting they had with the president, they had requested him to extend their service in the Army, which would be an advantage for them to face war crimes accusations.

Of them, Jagath Dias, Mahinda Hathurusinghe and Prasanna de Silva have now retired upon completing 55 years of age.

The four major generals who had met Basil Rajapaksa were close to Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and were from his Gajaba regiment.

Meanwhile, it is yet to be announced as to whether the services of incumbent commander Krishantha de Silva would be extended again once his current extension expires on August 21.

Two of the major generals who had met Basil Rajapaksa should retire upon reaching 55 years of age, if not appointed the commander, by September 25 and September 30.

When contacted, military spokesman Brig. Jayanath Jayaweera said he could not consult the commander for a reply, as he was very busy.