4. ¹[(1) The Authority shall consist of a Chairman and such number of members as the Government may, from time to time, determine. ²[(1A) The Chairman and Members of the Authority shall be the whole time Officers of the Authority and shall be appointed by the Government on such terms and conditions as it may determine.]] (2) The term of office of the Chairman shall be five years and that of a member three years. (3) [Omitted by section 3 of the Inland Water Transport Authority (Amendment) Act, 1997 (Act No. IX of 1997).] (4) Any person ceasing to be the Chairman or member by reason of the expiry of the term of his office shall be eligible for re-appointment for another term or for such shorter term as the Government may decide. (5) The Chairman or any member may at any time resign: Provided that his resignation shall not take effect until accepted by the Government. (6) In the case of temporary absence of the Chairman or any member, the Government may appoint a Chairman or a member, as the case may be, for the period of absence.