The officials are namely former President's secretary - Lalith Weeratunga, former Prime minister secretary - S. Amarasekera, former secretary of the Finance ministry - Dr. P.B. Jayasundara and former secretary of the Road Development Authority - Ranjith Premasiri, sources add.

Sources further say that the meeting was set up by minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.

Noting that they do not approve of former President returning to active politics, the former officials have assured that they will personally intervene to prevent the former President from contesting the upcoming general election and to create unity within the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, reports say.

The officials have also stated that although government officials act only on the orders of politicians, they have had to bear the brunt when a government changes.

Noting that taking measures against state officials in this manner have led to a downfall of the entire state mechanism, the officials have reportedly urged the President to look into this matter.

Upon inquiring from the President's coordinating secretary - Attorney-At-Law Rajika Kodithuwakku whether such a discussion had taken place, he said that he was unaware such a meeting had taken place.