They have emphasised the need of an appointment agreed to by both the President and Prime minister.

Accordingly, they have proposed Economy expert - Prof. Lalith Samarakoon as the best contender.

According to the Finance Act, only the Finance minister is empowered to recommend a governor for the Central Bank.

Contenders

At the present, the President has strongly disagreed against the Prime minister's request to either extend the tenure of Arjun Mahendra or appoint Prime minister's senior advisor - Charitha Ratwatte.

CBSL deputy governor - Nandalal Weerasinghe who is proposed by the President, has been opposed to, by the Prime minister.

In addition, the President is considering 03 more finance experts, namely former deputy governor of the CBSL - W.A. Wijewardena, Executive Director of the Institute of Policy Studies - Saman Kelegama and Chairman at the National Human Resource Development Council - Dinesh Weerakkody.

Even a foreigner, ok

Meanwhile, the UNP has said that even a foreigner is fine for the post as long as the individual executes the duties of the post properly.

This was stated by UNP MP - Nalin Bandara during a media briefing in Colombo yesterday (01).