Video: We did what is best for us - Hakeem

20 Jul 2012 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem said that the SLMC is still a part of the ruling coalition and that the decision to contest the Eastern province separately is no threat to the government.

Addressing a news conference at the party headquarters ‘Dar- es- salaam’ Hakeem said that the decision to contest the polls separately was based on “what was best for the party and its members”

Mr. Hakeem said they were left with two options - when running for the upcoming elections. One was to join the government and contest, and the other was to contest by protecting the individuality of the party.

“I am glad we chose to contest as an individual party. It was unfortunate that we could not contest along with the government. But party members and the people have expressed their pleasure over SLMC contesting as a unique party,” he said.

Mr. Hakeem said that there was no dispute between the government and the SLMC, and the government had a clear understanding as to why the party has to contest individually. (Kelum Bandara & Nishan Casseem)

Pix By Pradeep Dilrukshana

Breaking News

Video: We did what is best for us - Hakeem

Most Popular Articles

2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule in Sri Lankan Standard Time

Breaking Down the Israel–Iran Conflict: What We Know So Far - Day 108

’’Cut out the noise, focus on your game’’; Sri Lanka great reaches out to Sooryavanshi

Struggling Pizza Hut chain to be sold for $2.7bn

Mother wins three-decade legal battle over property against son

Heavy rain expected as El Niño conditions set to develop globally after February: Officials

Latest News

World Cup Matchweek 2: Qualification Race Heats Up

US lifts naval blockade as Iran’s supreme leader says Trump made deal ’out of desperation’

FIFA World Cup 2026: The First Round Is Complete. Here Are All the Stories That Matter.

Iran war casts fresh shadow over Sri Lanka’s recovery

Over 1,200 killed in road accidents in less than six months