Two groups of members of the committee are in opposed stands, while another is adopting a moderate approach, said a member of the committee.

This has caused a serious rift in the COPE.

Chaired by JVP’s Sunil Handunnetti, the 26-member committee is represented by 11 from the ruling UNP and the rest from the JVP (four), TNA (four) and the UPFA including the joint opposition (seven).

TNA members are yet to take a stand, and will take a moderate approach.

When contacted, UPFA’s Mahinda Amaraweera said the SLFP would support a removal of Mahendran.

Along with the SLFP, the JVP and the joint opposition are against extending the governor’s term, while prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is making a strong attempt to keep him in the job.

Meanwhile, auditor general Gamini Wijesinghe will appear before COPE today (29) to make submissions with regard to the bond issue.

At a media briefing yesterday, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake charged the president and the PM have saved their faces by passing the responsibility to COPE.