Budget vote: SLMC may change its stance

The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) High Command yesterday decided to re-consider its stance on the crucial December 14 budget vote, a spokesman said. The spokesman said the SLMC working committee took this decision as the government had not met several demands and requests made on behalf of Muslims.

The Sunday Times learns that land issues in the East and the night loudspeaker restriction were among the issues discussed at the meeting. The spokesman said a majority of the members requested the high command to vote against the budget if their demands were not met. At a meeting on Friday, SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem said the government should be more considerate to the requests made on behalf of the Muslim community.

“At this moment the Govt. should take clear decisions in certain aspects and consider certain requests. Many are hoping to see what happens in the future but it cannot be predicted. Our decisions will be taken not by considering our individual profits or profits to the party but by considering the challenges the country will face,” he told the meeting of the Union of Post and Telecommunication Officers.