TNA, SLMC agree for talks

16 April 2010 06:24 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Jamila Najmuddin

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has invited the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) for talks on working together in parliament in order to ensure the rights of the minorities are secured, SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem told Daily Mirror online. The invitation for talks was extended by TNA Leader R. Sampanthan to the SLMC Leader last night.

SLMC Leader Hakeem had accepted the invitation and assured the TNA Leader that he would meet his party for discussions soon after his return to Colombo after the re-poll in Nawalapitiya on April 20.

Hakeem is currently in Kandy campaigning for the re-poll next week.

“Mr. Sampanthan called me last night and asked if we could meet. I assured him I would meet him after I return back to Colombo. The main basis of our meeting would be to strengthen the voice of the minority parties in parliament as there are some chauvinistic opponents in the government who are trying to make some opportunistic amendments,” Hakeem told Daily Mirror online.

He added that the main concerns of the minority parties would be to ensure justice for the minority communities, a climate of equity, fair play and good governance.

Meanwhile when questioned if he was in talks with the government, Hakeem denied stating that he had formed an alliance with the UNP. “I have not been in any talks with the President or anyone else from the government. Neither have I been approached by them. There is going to be no pole vaulting as we have formed an alliance with the UNP,” Hakeem said.

When questioned if he would reconsider joining the government if an invitation was extended by President Mahinda Rajapakse, Hakeem denied maintaining that he would work with the opposition in building the country. “These talks about me joining the government are just a way to tarnish my image before the elections next week. As I have a lot of votes from the UNP voters. I have no such plans. However as an opposition, we would work with the government in rebuilding the nation,” Hakeem said. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 15

Friday, 16 April 2010 07:09 AM

Mr.Hakeem v r waiting for your good decision regarding work with government so kindly request to you rejoin with government. Because eastern province youngsters getting too difficult obtain a job. so make right path for us.

Friday, 16 April 2010 07:15 AM

Good move, what ever said and done you need a strong voice for the minorities.

Friday, 16 April 2010 07:25 AM

Well said Mr. Hakeem, we know who the chauvinists are. They are the ones who got the hiighest manape in Colombo. Simply Vimal, Champika and Dinesh. Am I not correct.

Friday, 16 April 2010 07:31 AM

Yu cd never trust these rascist minority parties - they are opportunists. As a result they will be neither here nor there. Hakeem should stick with the UNP - he will have recognition only with the UNP. The UPFA will use him like chewing betel & then spitting it out. TNA should also stick with the UNP for survival in areas outside the north. They will never get anywhere with the UPFA - unless of course Sambanthan like Karuna should ask for nomination on the national list!!

Friday, 16 April 2010 08:25 AM

why "minorities" when everyone is equal? its time to unite as sri lankans, not as races.

Friday, 16 April 2010 09:15 AM

It's a good move.

Friday, 16 April 2010 09:55 AM

Politicians! All of them. God save the Country from Politicians.

Friday, 16 April 2010 10:18 AM

GOOD MOVE. BE STRONG TO RAISE THE MINORITY VOICE. UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!

Friday, 16 April 2010 10:28 AM

Its good to helpe to the gournment even if you stay in opposision.good idea.first everybody should think about the country and for the peoples.

Friday, 16 April 2010 10:34 AM

If you want the minority interest looked after very well then stick with UNP, as there are no monorities in UPFA

Friday, 16 April 2010 03:31 PM

Protect the rights of the minorities and let the autocrats 'play hell'?

Friday, 16 April 2010 05:42 PM

The minority parties must get together to safeguard their rights since the govt.'s main partners are anti-minority.

Friday, 16 April 2010 05:54 PM

Tamil speaking minorities, in both the North and East, should have a common agenda.

Friday, 16 April 2010 05:59 PM

If every citizen were treated equally, then there would be no minorities in the country. Simply saying that 'there are no minorities,' will not solve the problem.

Friday, 16 April 2010 06:23 PM

Time will tell!

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TNA, SLMC agree for talks

Comments - 15

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