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The Government yesterday gazetted new regulations permitting officers of the Army in the rank of Majors General to continue in their rank until they reach the age of 55, notwithstanding their maximum in such rank.

Defence Minister Tilak Marapana has sent for gazetting the new guidelines framed under army regulations.

In terms of the new regulations once an officer in the rank of Major General reaches the maximum period of three years in such rank he will automatically continue (in such rank) until he is 55.

This is unless the Army Commander recommends otherwise, the Defence Minister concurs with same and the President orders that such officer be retired.

Contacted by the Daily News last night Defence Minister Tilak Marapana said he was merely giving effect to the recommendation of the Defence Review Committee and President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga had recommended its implementation as a matter of priority. He is awaiting the recommendation of the Defence Review Committee pertaining to the extension of service of Brigadiers, the Minister said.

According to the new gazette notification Major General Lohan Gunawardena whose service expires in December and who is 54 will receive an automatic extension of one year with the coming into effect of the new regulations.

The new retirement guidelines are bound to remove the frustrations endured by officers concerning their career prospects in the Army, Defence sources said.

Such officers however can continue in that rank until 55 under the new guidelines set by the Defence Minister.

According to defence sources there had been frustration and a certain amount of agitation within the ranks of the Army over the delay in promotions. 

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