Govt to invite fresh Muslim representatives

7 December 2019 10:29 am - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The SLPP will invite new Muslim representatives to join the party before the general elections and have assured equal minority representation in the new cabinet if it wins the general elections next year, Cabinet Spokesperson, Ramesh Pathirana told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

Noting that the interim cabinet did not have any minority representation, Minister Pathirana said this was due to the existing Muslim political parties pledging their support to Sajith Premadasa at the November 16 presidential polls.

However, he said under the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the SLPP will invite leading Muslim representatives who supported the President's campaign to contest at the general elections so that there can be a strong minority representation when the new cabinet is appointed if they win the polls.

When questioned if the SLPP would approach MP Rauf Hakeem from the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and MP Rishard Bathiudeen from the All Ceylon Makkal Congress, Minister Pathirana said these two parliamentarians will not be approached due to allegations still not being cleared of alleged indirect or direct links with radical Islamic groups.

"There are many new strong Muslim representatives we will approach. Even though some of these existing Muslim parties did not support President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the presidential polls, we still had a sizable Muslim community who supported the President. We will have fresh representation," Minister Pathirana said.

The SLPP, along with SLFP and 15 other political parties, has decided to contest the general election under a broader coalition named Sri Lanka Freedom People's Alliance, which was formed before the November 16 Presidential Election.

Some of the other parties in the alliance include the UPFA, SLPP, National Freedom Front (NFF), Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) and Mahajana Eksath Peramuna. (Jamila Husain)

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Comments - 9

H. Jagathdeva Saturday, 07 December 2019 02:42 PM

Not only the Muslims but also the Tamils should start thinking of forming alternative progressive leadership to fight the opportunist Muslim and Tamil politicians who have always engaged in divisive politics to feather their own nests.

Hussain RAUFF Saturday, 07 December 2019 02:46 PM

What ever you guys do and want to be in power. Please be Loyol to our Mata and its citizens.Build a nation that we can be proud of. it’s enough to see the country is devided. The change can be brought only if the Top administration comitt their loyalty to the nation.

Nish Navaratne Saturday, 07 December 2019 03:43 PM

This is rubbish. This government is trying to go along with the same agenda. Why do we need race-or religion-based political parties. There shouldn't be any quota for cabinet positions. Aren't people are sick of these same agenda from every government? Try to promote Sri Lankan identity.

Sokrates Saturday, 07 December 2019 03:57 PM

The devil invites

Buddhist Saturday, 07 December 2019 05:55 PM

Unless a guarantee is given by the President that Buddhist Monks will not be allowed to do politics no minority representative with any substantial voter base will join SLPP.

nirmal Saturday, 07 December 2019 06:30 PM

Have courage not to come as a Buddhist. Shame on people like you. Surely a UNP supporter putting in front fake faces

Borat Saturday, 07 December 2019 07:44 PM

Very sensible

Wasp Saturday, 07 December 2019 07:12 PM

Then what about Tamils? Owata ahuwenna epa, puthe!

ahmed Saturday, 07 December 2019 07:56 PM

we do we have political parties by religion in sri lanka ? religion is a personal choice

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Govt to invite fresh Muslim representatives

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