51. President in office to be in charge of certain subjects and functions

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the

Constitution, the person holding office as President on the date of commencement of this Act, so long as he holds the

Office of President may assign to himself the subjects and functions of Defence, Mahaweli Development and

Environment and determine the Ministries to be in his charge for that purpose and accordingly, any reference in any written law to the Minister to whom such subject or function is assigned, shall be read and construed as a reference to the

President.