The Government is likely to continue with the existing Executive Presidential system instead of creating a new office of Executive Prime Minister. The change in thinking is the result of advice to President Mahinda Rajapaksa by Attorney General Mohan Peiris. He is of the opinion that a change from executive presidency to an executive prime minister would require a national referendum.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, on Friday night signed a proclamation to cashier retired General Sarath Fonseka. The move means the withdrawal of the former Army Commander’s rank as General as well as his medals and decorations. He will also forfeit his pension and all Sri Lankan security installations will be out of bounds for him.