Reveal deal with MR, UNP challenges SLMC

Tuesday, 27 October 2020 01:45 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa

Rauf Hakeem

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday called on members of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) to reveal the details of an alleged agreement they reached with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa prior to the vote on the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution.

The challenge comes in the wake of several members of the SLMC voting in favour of the 20th Amendment, after the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) coalition they were a part of had decided to vote against the controversial amendment.

“The SLMC chose to disregard the democratic values which were upheld by the 19th Amendment by supporting the 20th Amendment,” the UNP charged, issuing a press release.

The UNP claimed that that SLMC voters had again been deceived by their elected representatives.

“It is unethical and irresponsible for the SLMC to refuse to divulge information regarding the agreement they have come to with the Prime Minister. Their silence on this issue is a sign that they have struck a deal which does not benefit the Muslims of Sri Lanka,” the UNP said.

The UNP called on SLMC voters to support them, claiming that their interest is “best served by the UNP which upholds the Sri Lankan identity, not by parties based on ethnicities-religions”.

The UNP suffered a landslide defeat at the recent General Elections and was unable to secure any electoral seat it campaigned for. The party managed to secure one National List seat in Parliament, which is yet to be filled.