President, PM meet to iron out key issues; way forward

The crucial meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe on Thursday night at Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne’s official residence had aimed at ironing out some of the contentious issues that have put the unity Government in crisis. 

Daily FT learns that to safeguard the coalition there was frank discussion between the two leaders on a host of issues including next week’s no confidence motion on Prime Minister. Sources said the issue of way forward post-no confidence motion also figured during the discussion in addition to best course of action over elections to come . Other matters included restructuring some of the key Ministries and re-alignment of subjects etc. The contentious decision by President Sirisena to transfer some key institutions such as the Central Bank previously held under Wickremesinghe’s Ministry to the Finance Ministry was also discussed.  Political analysts viewed Thursday’s meeting as positive and the two leaders are expected to update their respective parties of the outcome shortly. 

Others claimed the meeting failed to achieve a breakthrough as President has been allegedly identified as the key figure in mobilizing or helping forces against the Prime Minister. This is despite some claiming that the Opposition winning  the no confidence motion  against the Premier will also in effect reflect failure of the Coalition Government including the President himself.