Haleem, Hashim’s return will promote peace: UNP

• Both re-joined Cabinet after discussions with Buddhist priests and requests from voters 
• UNP focussed on winning Presidential Election and NCM by JVP

By Ruwandi Gamage

UNP MP Mujibur Rahuman yesterday supported the reinstatement of Ministers Kabir Hashim and Abdul Haleem to their Cabinet portfolios as a step that would help foster peace and stability in Sri Lanka. 

Rahuman stated that the MP’s re-joined after discussions with all Muslim ministers and party leaders. They also heeded requests from voters in their respective polling seats and requests from Buddhist priests.

“They considered this decision to come back after all these discussions. They have assured they will work together towards peace and stability,” he added. 

The parliamentarian further explained that the UNP has different opinions about who the Presidential candidate should be but is yet to make a final decision. He said they are working towards winning the Presidential Election, therefore, the party will select the best candidate with the most potential to win.

When questioned about the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) by the JVP against the Government, Rahuman said it is confirmed that it will be tabled next month. Rahuman said they are ready to face the NCM as a Government, as they have done so before, and that they are certain they will defeat the motion.

Rahuman also recapped the development milestones the Government has achieved since 2015, and claimed the Government has been successful at fostering growth. He said that the Government has implemented reforms that has improved the country since 2015. 

He reminded of the media freedom that this Government has provided with the Right to Information Act. He further added that the international world is working more closely and is building more ties with Sri Lanka since the UNP came to power in 2015. “We as a Government has invested a lot of money on building infrastructure, developing education and even the rebuilding of religious places. Through ‘Gamperaliya’ we have invested a lot of money in rebuilding infrastructure for towns and villages. There are many developmental projects taking place in the country. Samurdhi has helped the lives of many, whose lives were hindered from poverty. The country’s development, democracy, sovereignty of the law, political stability is better since 2015,” he stated.

Rahuman claimed the Opposition is using the Easter attacks for their political gain and creating communal violence. He said that the opposition is attacking the decisions the Government takes for the betterment and safety of the public.

“The Joint Opposition is using communal violence and racism as their political slogan. They’re creating doubt within people and are instilling doubt between the Government and the public. The Opposition today is just trying to everything to come back to power and nothing else,” Rahuman added.

The parliamentarian told the media that the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the Easter attacks will reveal all that was learned through the investigations in a few weeks’ time. He said with the challenges the Government had to face, after the Easter attacks, they still delivered and urged everyone to come together in harmony.

“Whatever the challenges we face or the forces we overcome, we will continue to move forward. I urge all Sri Lankans to come together as one, and if we do we will be able to continue this journey and develop our country further.”

Pic by Ruwan Walpola