UPFA in last ditch bid to keep SLMC
A top level government delegation yesterday held talks with SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem in a bid to retain his support for incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s re-election bid at January 08, 2015 presidential election.
UPFA General Secretary Susil Premjayantha, SLFP General Secretary Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, and SLFP Treasurer Dallas Alahapperuma met Minister Hakeem at the Presidential Secretariat.
Sources told The Island that presidential secretary Lalith Weeratunga had joined the discussion.
After having backed former army Chief Gen. Sarath Fonseka’s candidature at the Jan. 26, 2010 presidential election, the SLMC contested last parliamentary election in April 2010 on the UNP ticket. Subsequently, it switched its allegiance to President Rajapaksa and voted for the 18th Amendment to the Constitution to enable the incumbent president to seek a third term.
A senior SLMC source told The Island last night that SLMC leader Hakeem had prohibited all its elected and nominated representatives of the party from leaving the country until the conclusion of the presidential election. The official said that representatives shouldn’t leave the country immediately after the election either. Responding to a query, the official said the party decision was intended to safeguard the integrity of members. The SLMC confirmed Minister Hakeem’s meeting with the government delegation in a bid to reach an understanding. The SLMC declined to comment on the outcome of yesterday’s discussion which lasted about 90 minutes.
The SLMC was attempting to thwart a government effort to induce crossovers from its ranks, sources said.
(The Island)
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Mr Ruaff is a silent man, perhaps contemplating on the buckshees that await him.
He cannot be trusted, he can change direction completely, with the hint of a gentle breeze.
Where does he receive advice and heavenly guidance from ? Is it from Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi or Hassan Rouhani or Assad?
The smaller communities should come forward in our country and become true citizens, be proud of being citizens and give our country, all they can.
That will be true reconciliation.
Steve,
I agree with you. Rajapakse can promise any thing but never do as promised two times to abolish executive presidency.
Muslim minority should come forward and be the real citizens of the country, not the opportunists demanding pound of flesh from Maithree, but to enjoy common benefits of the country which are now channeled to family outfit.
It is excellent to sit with Bela Sena.
Common poor Muslims will hate Hakeem and congress definitely.
Mahinda, BBS plus Gammanpila make a dangerous combination for all the Minorities. So time to get out.
Think your party and the your community first.Then take a decision as favor of genuine leader.