Digamadulla annexation won't cause communal disharmony

by P. Krishnaswamy

National Congress (NC) leader and Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government A.L.M. Athaullah who represents the Digamadulla District refuted TNA allegations that the recent annexation of part of the Alayadivembu AGA division with the Akkaraipattu AGA division in the Digamadulla district was for his political benefit. The annexation was carried out as a follow-up to the May 12, 1987 Gazette notification, taking into consideration the welfare of both Tamil and Muslim communities and was in no way detrimental to either community, he said.

TNA's fears that the annexation will lead to communal disharmony between the two communities are baseless and is an election gimmick, he said.

He told the Sunday Observer that they are contesting the Akkaraipattu MC and Akkaraipattu PS on the 'horse' symbol for tactical reasons while contesting the Pradeshiya Sabhas of Pottuvil, Addalachchenai, Nindhavur, Sammanthurai, Navidanveli, Rakkamam, Batticaloa and Koralaipattu West and the two UCs of Eravur and Kathankudy on the UPFA's 'betel leaf' symbol. He expressed confidence that the UPFA will capture a large majority of the Local Government bodies in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts where they are contesting as allies.