Mahendran's continue to remain in post damaging the credibility of the Prime Minister

 Wednesday, 06 May 2015

Minister Wickramasinghe was often referred to as Mr Clean even among the opposition members. Even though many SLFP Ministers and some UNP members very often referred to him as the serial loser, many politicians privately had an enormous respect for Ranil Wickremasingha because he came from an elite family, conducted himself with dignity , was not associated with any financial scandals and was competent in managing international and economic affairs. But after the fraudulent Bond deal he has been humiliated on many fronts and the committee he appointed to investigate the bond deal has been ridiculed in every quarter. Presidential sources say even the President who is generally an easy going leader is very unhappy with the outcome and he gently slipped away from visiting the Central Bank on Tuesday.

Many hoped after the Change of Government, the Central Bank would regain its independence and would not be involved in controversy in the future . But, sadly Mahendran brought disrepute to his office, to the government and has embarrassed the Prime Minister.  If Mahendren thinks he has got away, he is sadly mistaken, the courts now have regained their independence , this was clearly seen when the 19 A was discussed in the higher courts.  Sri Lanka has passed the stage when the higher courts gave decisions based on requests made by the executive. Mahendran would save the Prime Minister his job and the UNP the next election, if he stepped down now, before he is conduct is debated in parliament and examined by courts and his previous tenure in the BOI is investigated by the opposition and exposed.

The Central Bank needs a bureaucrat from within to regain its independence and to act as an independent advisor to the Government. Mahendran's continuing presence is only damaging the office he is holding and the credibility of the Prime Minister and his party.

Good Governance Activist.