SLMC, SLFP talks under way

Negotiations are under way between the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) at different levels, SLMC sources said.

SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem met Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa on Friday to discuss the core issues with regard to the SLMC extending its support to the government. SLMC National Organiser and Parliamentarian K. A. Baiz told the Sunday Observer that there would be another two or three rounds of talks between the government representatives and the SLMC before reaching a final agreement to join the government.

The President had reportedly said that 'any condition contradictory to the constitution as well as the Mahinda Chinthana would not be acceptable'. Nonetheless Baiz said that the party had not received any official response from the government concerning the issue.

He was optimistic that the two parties would settle all disputes and come to a positive conclusion through dialogue.

(TS)