President will select Governor along “yahapalanaya” principles: Rajitha

Cabinet spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senaratne yesterday distanced President Maithripala Sirisena from statements made by Highways Minister Lakshman Kiriella, insisting the Central Bank Governor’s appointment would be made in line with good governance principles.

Responding to questions about the possibility of Governor Arjuna Mahendran being reappointed for a second term, Dr. Senaratne was insistent the decision was with President Maithripala Sirsena and statements made by Kiriella do not reflect Sirisena’s views. 

 “I have been very clear about my disapproval of this appointment from the start. I have never agreed to it. Statements made by Minister Kiriella are his personal opinions. This decision is made by the President and he will make a decision according to the ideals of the “yahapalanaya” system that he has championed.” 

The Cabinet spokesman also insisted that governments must listen to people as they are elected by the public for a specific reason, and if those ideals are not met then it is the duty of the people to select fresh representatives.