The most immediate reason for this is said to be nine major generals’ having met president Maithripala Sirisena without the commander’s permission, according to Army sources.

They are Chagi Gallage, Prasanna Silva, Kamal Gunaratne, Nanda Udwatte, Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Shavendra Silva, Jagath Dias, Udaya Perera and Sumedha Perera.

Military spokesman Brig. Jayanath Jayaweera said this was one of the routine circulars, which the commander issues from time to time.

He added that the nine top Army personnel had met the president with the knowledge of the commander.