There is no truth to reports the existence of government has been threatened by this dispute, he says, adding that resolution through discussion will further strengthen the good governance regime.

He was speaking to Sri Lanka Mirror from China where he is on an official visit.

As per clause 11 of the finance act no. 58 of 1949, the finance minister should recommend a person to the CB governor position, based on which the president makes the appointment.

The Government Information Department said the president, after receiving the minister’s recommendation, will make the appointment in consultation with the PM.

No to political appointments

Meanwhile, the National Movement for a Just Society and Citizens’ Power at a media briefing today requested both the president and the PM not to choose a person with political leanings.

Expressing concern over the delay in the appointment of a new governor, the movement’s convener Prof. Sarath Wijesuriya asked that the government formed by law-abiding citizens be not placed in peril.

Gamini Viyangoda of Citizens’ Power strongly renounced the remark by the PM yesterday that Mahendran was yet to be proven guilty.

He asked that a political friend be not appointed to the position at the CB, which ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa politicized by appointing Ajith Nivard Cabraal to be its head.