Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardena said the President could appoint the Prime Minister but he does not have powers to remove him, according to the 19th amendment to the Constitution.
The power to change the Prime Minister is in the hands of the Prime Minister according to the 19th amendment, he said.
Minister Abeywardena explained that according to the 19th amendment, the Prime Minister himself has to submit his resignation to change or appoint a new Prime Minister.
He said the clause in this regard had been added to ensure stability of the national government.