Sirisena's election last month had been expected to lead to a lessening of the numbers of troops in towns and cities - particularly in former war zones - which had been a prominent feature of his hardline nationalist predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa's tenure.

During the build-up to his election victory, Sirisena promised to confine the military to their barracks and call them out only in the event of an emergency or a threat to national security.

But, according to a presidential decree seen by AFP, Sirisena has now renewed a monthly authorisation for the deployment of troops across the island.

(AFP)