SLMC members suspended for backing move to dilute 13-A

By Shamindra Ferdinando-June 27, 2013

A simmering dispute between the SLFP and the SLMC over the move to dilute the 13th Amendment to the Constitution has taken a new turn with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) suspending two members of the North Western Provincial Council (NWPC) for throwing their weight behind the government.

SLMC sources told The Island that Rizvi Javaharsha and Abdeen Eheiya, who represented the Kurunegala and Puttalam Districts, respectively, had voted for doing away with two key provisions in the 13th Amendment.

The NWPC voted for scrapping the provision which enabled two or more provinces to merge to form a single unit. The government also proposed rescinding the requirement that the consent of all Provincial Councils is necessary for the passage of legislation coming under their purview.

Sources said that SLMC members wouldn’t be allowed to work against the interests of their party.

SLMC General Secretary M. T. Hassen Ali has informed the two councillors of the party decision. The party leader would give them an opportunity to explain their position, though they would have to face the consequences of their decision to act against specific instructions from the party.

Sources said that another SLMC member of the NWPC Mohamed Thassleem had been present at the time of voting.