COLOMBO, Sept 8: Sri Lanka * army chief warned his men to remain neutral amid report* of several officers meeting with dissidents campaigning for President Ranasfnghe Premadasa* overthrow, press reports said today, reports AFP.

Lieutenant Genera! Hamilton Wanasinghe told his senior commanders last week to be Impartial tn the current political battle triggered by an unprecedented Impeachment resolution against Premadasa.

The Sunday Times neWspa per said the army a* contcm plating disciplinary action against at least one senior officer who is alleged to have visited a dissident from the ruling United NatioRal Parly (UNP) after the crisis

"Wanatnghe told hts men to refrain from taking side* and warned them not to spread

rumours by talking amongst themselves." the Sunday Times said

Immediately after the Speaker Mohammad Hanifa Mohammad accepted a motion to Impeach Premadasa, the Army, Navy and Air Force commanders and police chief issued a statement August 29 declaring allegiance to the Constitution.

The dissident group Is led by former national security minister Laiith Athulathmudali and at feast two other former cabinet ministers. They have ruled out the possibility of military Intervention In the crisis.

Premadasa late Saturday told a group of loyalists that his life may be in danger and reiterated that the Israeli secret service, the Mossad, was behind move* to overthrow him.

The stage Is coming when I may have to sacrifice my life.