He said the powers of the executive presidency could be delegated to the Prime Minister, the Speaker or the Chief Justice only in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and not in the manner suggested by the opposition.
 
The minister told a media conference at the SLFP headquarters that Chapter 37 of the Constitution clearly states how the powers of the executive presidency could be delegated to the Prime Minister.
 
“It can be done in the event the President suffers from a mental or physical disability and is unable to perform his duties or when he or she goes abroad. Mental or physical disability must be substantiated with proper medical reports,” he said.
 
The minister said in such a scenario it was uncertain how common opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena, should he win the January 8 election, be able to appoint the Prime Minister.(Sandun A Jayasekera)