UPFA wooing SLMC into fold

We supported the government... but it has failed to keep any of the promises it made to the SLMC

The Government is making fresh efforts to woo the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) into its fold in the wake of the upcoming elections to the Northern

The government was having negotiations with SLMC leaders on a possible electoral arrangement

Provincial Council, party officials said yesterday.

The SLMC is reported to have had differences of opinion with the Government on certain issues in the recent past.

Ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary and Minister Susil Premajayantha on Friday said the government was having negotiations with SLMC leaders on a possible electoral arrangement. The Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) led by Minister Douglas Devananda and the All Ceylon People’s Congress (ACPC) led by Minister Rishad Bathiudeen are expected to contest alongside the UPFA at the elections to the NPC.

Meanwhile SLMC General Secretary M.T. Hasan Ali said it was difficult for his party to align with the UPFA for the upcoming elections.

“We supported the government to form the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC). But it has failed to keep any of the promises it made to the SLMC,” he said.

United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary and Minister Susil Premajayantha said on Friday the government was having negotiations with Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leaders on a possible electoral arrangement