The President has decided to change the Prime Minister post annually, sources from Temple Trees said. It is learnt that the President has also decided not to make the change in the Premiership until the incumbent Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne is alive.

However, the President has told Minister Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday night that he would be appointed as the Prime Minister in the event of Jayaratne’s death. He has added that the term would be limited to one year and that Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva would be appointed afterwards.

Sirisena had then visited the chief incumbents of the Asgiri- and Malwatte Chapters to receive their blessings. Sri Lanka Foundation Institute Head, Ranjith Bandara had accompanied the Minister on his trip to visit the mahanayakes. The Minister has promised Bandara that he would be appointed as the Secretary to the Prime Minister once he assumes office.