UNP Matara District MP Mangala Samaraweera today said that there was no truth in reports stating that UNP National Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe would be appointed as the “Executive Prime Minister” in the country after common candidate Miathripala Sirisena’s ascension to power.

“The post ‘Executive Prime Minister’ is non-existent in the world it is completely wrong to say that Ranil Wickremesinghe will be appointed as the Executive Prime Minister. Those who keep saying that are doing a contract on behalf of the government,” the UNP Parliamentarian said addressing a press conference in Colombo.

Explaining the nature of the government which will be formed after the common candidate’s “victory”, Samaraweera said it would be a caretaker government that has the representation of all political parties – including the present ruling party. “The caretaker government – which will be an all-party government - will be formed for a period of 100 days and a certain amount of presidential powers will be transferred to the Prime Minister and Cabinet initially. All the powers of the President cannot be transferred to the Prime Minister within 24 hours - as claimed by some” Samaraweera said. It was clear that he was referring to a statement by UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake at a press conference, a few days ago.

“It is after the formation of the caretaker government that the Executive Presidency can be abolished and constitutional amendments can be implemented,” Samaraweera further explained.

However, Samaraweera admitted that there were discussions with common candidate Maithripala Sirisena to appoint UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the “Prime Minister” of the new caretaker government.