SLMC decision to withdraw stands

[TamilNet, Thursday, 24 August 2000, 12:15 GMT]
The decision of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), to quit from the People's Alliance (PA) government, stands until its leader M.H.M.Ashraff returns from a pilgrimage to Mecca, according to SLMC sources.

Senior Vice President of the SLMC Mr. Maruthoorkani said that resignations submitted by Mr.Ashraff and his colleagues from the PA cabinet have not been withdrawn.

Meanwhile Minister A.H.M.Fowzie has said that he would not withdraw his statements attacking SLMC and its leadership. He added that he stands by his statements.

In the meantime PA's General Secretary D.M.Jayaretna has again reiterated that the views expressed by Minister Fowzie are not those of the PA. He expressed the party's hope that the SLMC would continue to support the PA during the forthcoming general elections.