United National Party Presidential candidate and Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister Sajith Premadasa paid his gratitude to Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Founder, late Minister M.H.M. Ashraff for extending his helping hand to the Minister’s father, late President R. Premadasa, during the impeachment crisis. Similarly, Minister Premadasa expressed his willingness to receive the fullest support of the present SLMC Leader and Minister Rauff Hakeem during the forthcoming Presidential election.
The Minister was speaking at a discussion with Minister Rauff Hakeem, State Ministers, Members of Parliament and former provincial councillors. The discussion continued for nearly one and a half hours at the official residence of Minister Hakeem on Wednesday morning (2).
The discussion mainly focused on lands belonging to Muslims in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, which were occupied by the Forces and the Forest Department and Muslims being forcefully evacuated from the Northern Province.
The SLMC also stressed the importance of finding a solution to the Aruwakkalu Landfill site issue. The participants also sought an assurance on the security of Muslims.
Minister Hakeem also pointed out various issues faced by Muslims, especially the housing problems in Colombo.
In his response, Minister Premadasa said he would take all necessary steps and strive hard to bring prosperity and peace to the country which currently suffers from different political and global issues. He also said that he would never betray the trust the Buddhists, Tamils and Muslims placed on him.
He said he never encourages violence but keeps trust in peace and unity. “My father raised me as a true Buddhist, hence I shall treat all alike irrespective of caste, creed or colour if I am elected as the President of Sri Lanka,” he said.
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