New Muslim alliance to be finalised before Saturday

Feb 19 (IL) The proposed alliance of the country's main Muslim parties to contest the forthcoming general election is to be finalised within the next two days. Meanwhile the National Unity Alliance General Secretary A.L.M. Hisbullah who is in the forefront of forging the alliance said that upto now the series of meetings on the alliance has been 'very successful'.

North East parliamentarians from the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, National Unity Alliance and Ashraff Congress are actively working towards the formation of the Muslim Alliance with the aim all coming under one banner to have a stronger representation in parliament with the aim of assisting the community in winning their aspirations.

Former MPs and Ministers A.L.M. Athaullah, Noordeen Mashoor, M.M. Hareez and Anver Ismail are a few of those who have already extended their support to the Muslim Alliance. Mr. Hisbullah also said even though he initially wanted to contest the election under the SLMC banner, SLMC leader Hakeem's decision to support the UNP has led him out from supporting the SLMC. He added that if the SLMC was ready to go it alone or with any other group except the UNP, he was ready to leave the People's Alliance.