Tamil, Muslim parties cannot use UNP's symbol in local elections

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 18 January 2011, 02:00 GMT]
The United National Party, during a working committee meeting held on 17th January, decided to prohibit members from several Muslim and Tamil parties to contest the forthcoming local government elections under the "elephant symbol," political sources in Colombo said. "The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and several Tamil politicians contested the last general election under the UNP banner and a few months later they crossed over to the SLFP-led government,” the UNP said in a statement, explaining the reason for UNP's decision.

The party also decided it will contest in all 303 local government bodies.

During the selection process, the party is to give prominence to members without any disciplinary charges or inquiries during their last term in the respective bodies, professionals, youth, and women, according to a statement released by UNP.