There is a strong possibility of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leaving the government before the Provincial Council elections are held, political sources revealed.
This situation has risen due to the growing disenchantment of Muslim voters with the SLMC, which they charge is drifting away from the people and becoming a sycophant partner of the government.
National Organizer of the SLMC, Shafeek Rajabdeen, confirmed that discussions in this regard are underway, within the party.
He also charged that a conspiracy to elbow out their Party from the government is taking place at present, and therefore working together with the government is not an easy task any longer. He stressed the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) and the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), who are affiliated to the government, are trying to edge them out of the government. Moreover, the government is also attempting to create a rift within the Party, using the SLMC Chairman, Minister Segu Dawood, for their sinister purposes. "We will defeat such moves," he said.
He was highly critical of the government's inaction with regard to the removal of 14 mosques by antagonistic parties, as well as the government's failure to condemn the Grandpass incident. He said the government had failed to discuss the situation with the SLMC.
Rajabdeen also said the government was unhappy about their decision to contest the election alone. There is speculation that after the election, Rauff Hakeem's portfolio could change. However, sources said Hakeem had remarked he will continue to hold on to his ministry until the President removes him from the post.
by LAKSHMI JAYAKODI
CT
