His stance comes to be known in light of reports of a dispute between him and president Maithripala Sirisena over the matter.

Mahendran’s tenure was due to end today (30).

In an interview with ITN, Wickremesinghe said a committee of lawyers did not find the governor guilty, and that the police there was no case in the matter.

Then, a fundamental rights petition failed, and in such a situation, he cannot be removed.

However, we told parliament to look into it, and COPE has done that.

The PM said he would never protect Mahendran, and that he would act if the allegations were proven.

Mahendran has said that he would not expect an extension until he was absolved by COPE.

A day has gone by since president Sirisena’s remark that a new governor would be appointed within hours.

Meanwhile, at a media briefing, NFF’s Wimal Weerawansa said the president had gone to the discussion with a letter to appoint a new governor, but that his stance changed after the PM made his arrival.