Powerful businessman and minister Malik Samarawickreme is putting up a stiff fight to secure a service extension for Central Bank Governor - Arjuna Mahendra, internal government reports say.
Mahendra’s tenure ends this month and according to finance legislation, only President Maithripala Sirisena is vested with powers to extend his tenure.
According to a prominent minister, Minister Malik has initiated a plan to retain Mahindran. He had met with former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratuna to justify retaining Mahendran and had also attempted to influence President Maithripala Sirisena on this regard.
Until COPE report unveiled
However, speaking before the Monetary Board yesterday (24), Mahendran said he has decided not to seek an extension of his term in office until the COPE report on the controversial Bond Issue is unveiled.
It is said that he had stated thus on the advice of Minister Malik, who had assured the former that certain COPE members are close to him regardless of their political party.
COPE, unbiased
However, speaking in Parliament yesterday COPE Chairman - Sunil Handunnetti said that the committee would remain politically unbiased at all times.
Noting that the COPE was conducting a proper probe over the Bond Issue, Handunnetti urged not to belittle or insult this process.
Shouldn’t 'import'
Meanwhile, UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera says that there is no need to ‘import’ candidates for the post of CBSL governor and that there are many suitable individuals in the country.
