Requests to pave the way for reconciliation

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Minister Rauff Hakeem who congratulated Presidentelect Gotabaya Rajapaksa, requested him to safeguard the rights and pave the way for reconciliation among various communities as a first step to erase the polarization that has taken place in view of the elections.

Mr. Hakeem who supported National Democratic Front candidate Sajith Premadasa, said his party was encouraged by its supporters’ unstinting faith in upholding democratic values and their attempts to exercise their franchise, at times even braving inclement weather, in some areas.

“The high voter turnout throughout the country vindicates the people’s firm belief in democracy. however, the voting pattern also demonstrates a deeper polarization of our communities. there will be many challenges to be faced and hard decisions to be made for the betterment of all Sri Lankans.the most urgent priority would be to maintain law and order, respect rule of law and nurture the country’s pluralistic and democratic values.we fervently hope for peace and amity, restoration of harmony and lasting goodwill among all communities under your administration.

“There is no doubt that the unforgivable carnage of Easter Sunday has made an in-erasable revision in the perception of social stability and security. The nonparticipation of the main opposition in the Parliamentary Select Committee that probed the Easter Sunday bombings would remain a blot in the efforts to find out the truth and add value to such a phenomenal tragedy. In the run up to the election,the Muslim and Tamil political leaders were unfairly vilified too. However, we read the result as a new opportunity for the majority dominant state to build an inclusive unified nation,” he said.