SLMC split over election ticket

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 22 August 2000, 12:47 GMT]
The rank and file of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) is sharply divided over the question of contesting the forthcoming general election under the Peoples Alliance banner, SLMC Leader and minister M.H.M.Ashraff said after meeting President Chandrika Kumaratunge on Monday morning at Temple Trees. SLFP General Secretary S.B.Dissanayake and National Organizer General Anuruddha Ratwatte were present during the discussion.

Mr. Ashraff said that his party was divided how they should contest the poll. One group is of opinion that they should contest under the Peoples' Alliance ticket. While another group has said that they should contest alone.

The Politburo of the SLMC met Monday night to take a decision regarding this question. As the Politburo was unable to take a decision, the matter has now been vested with the 12 member-Supreme Council of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress to take a final decision on this regard within next 48 hours.

Addressing a meeting of the Politburo of the SLMC on Monday night, Minister Ashraff, party leader said he is personally prepared to support the President as long she was engaged in politics.

Meanwhile, the party membership of former parliamentarian M.M.Zuhair has been suspended by the Politburo of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.