However, he has expected an extension of one year, when the term ends on 22 August.

Also, de Silva is to be appointed the chief of defence staff following his retirement, and incumbent Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunatilake to be offered a diplomatic posting.

Meanwhile, there is strong opposition within the Army against their commander being given a service extension.

A letter sent to the president, prime minister and minister Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka accuses de Silva of abusing power, disregarding military discipline and sending skilled officers on retirement for having followed the law.

In the event he gets an extension, several senior officers will have to retire upon completing 55 years of age, without getting an opportunity to be appointed the Army commander.

They are major generals Milinda Peiris, A.K.S. Perera, Nanda Udawatte, G.H.K. Gunaratne and Ubhaya Medawala.

Therefore, the next year will see the appointment of a new commander from among Channa Gunatilake, who is most likely to succeed de Silva, Susantha Ranasinghe and Boniface Perera.