President Mahinda Rajapaksa has fired 12 senior military officers for being a threat to National Security and emerging as a political conspiracy during the January 26 presidential polls that saw incumbent Rajapaksa defeating former Army Chief Gen Sarath Fonseka, who was the joint Opposition candidate.

The officers included 3 major generals and 2 brigadiers. They were accused of interfering in politics during the polls.

The Lankan Defence Ministry in a statement confirmed that some senior officers were sent on compulsory retirement because they were considered a threat to national security.

Rajapaksa is also understood to have transferred several senior military officers loyal to the former Army General whom he defeated in elections.