SLMC to go alone in Eastern PC election

[TamilNet, Thursday, 27 March 2008, 07:46 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Wednesday at a discussion with the leadership of main opposition United National Party (UNP) expressed its stand that it would contest the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) election alone to preserve its identity, but with some understanding with the UNP. The SLMC, however, would not forge any alliance with the ruling party, according to media reports quoting SLMC general secretary Mr. Hassan Ali.

SLMC leadership had told the UNP at the discussion that it would consider holding further talks to come to an understanding with the UNP, SLMC Chairman Basheer Segu Dawood told the media.

Meanwhile, the leaders of SLMC and UNP have agreed to meet on Sunday to hold further talks on formulating a memorandum of understanding during the election, media sources said.

The discussion was held Wednesday at the residence of UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe. Rukman Senanayake, Chairman of the UNP, Tissa Attanayake, general secretary and chief whip Michael Perera participated on behalf of the UNP.

The SLMC delegation comprised of its leader Rauf Hakim, general secretary Hassan Ali, Chairman Basheer Segu Dawood, and Counsel Faiz.

The discussion lasted for about three hours, media sources said.