Rift widening within Govt.

Against this backdrop, dark clouds are hovering over the unique cohabitation arrangement between the President and Prime Minister. While the two came together in a marriage of convenience, and have an otherwise healthy personal rapport, that there are widening differences emerging is becoming clearer by the day.

The replacement MP for the ruling SLPP's chief organiser and former Finance Minister is a case in point. The PM had told MPs that he had spoken to the President about the rumours of who would fill the vacancy. Two names had been put forward, or so he was told, but assured that they would not be given any portfolio. This, the PM conveyed to MPs. It is to be seen if that promise will be kept. In the meantime, the President gazetted a host of departments to be brought under him and issued a circular freezing any appointments to state institutions without his concurrence.

On the other hand, the PM is withholding recommending an extension for the incumbent Governor of the Central Bank who is due to retire at the end of the month. The President has assured the Governor of an extension, but the recommendation must come from the PM as Finance Minister. Such gamesmanship brings back unhappy memories of what happened during the Yahapalana Government, and once again, ironically, revolves around the appointment of a CB Governor. Are we to see a replay of the drama enacted then?

The President having weathered the storm of public protests demanding his removal from office by sacrificing his brother as PM, is trying to consolidate his position for the balance of his term. Those still running the SLPP, or what is left of it believe that storm has passed and pulling the strings from behind the scenes while pulling the rug from under the incumbent PM's feet. Mutual distrust is brewing demonstrating further that cohabitation does not work in an Executive Presidency while the public service remains confused as to who really is the Head of Government.

The fate of the much talked about, long- anticipated 21st Amendment to the Constitution appears all but sealed – and doomed. The ruling SLPP is demanding compromises to where the centre of power should be.

Thus, a proper 21A leading to the ultimate abolition of the Executive Presidency getting passage through Parliament, unless thoroughly watered down, seems even more remote than the next shipment of petrol or gas.