Ranil urged to increase Muslim candidates

United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has been urged to increase the number of Muslim candidates contesting the upcoming Parliament election from the United National Party (UNP).

In a letter to the UNP leader, the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka noted that the?Muslim communities have been loyal supporters and have been voting the United National Party overwhelmingly for decades.

“There is much concern amongst the community that their representation within the UNP has been reduced. This is mainly because the UNP is supposed to have made a decision to field only two Muslim candidates in predominantly Muslim dominated areas. Sir, you are well aware, the Muslim representation has been higher in the districts of
Kandy, Colombo in previous governments. We are concerned that independent groups may come forward from the Muslim community and the Muslim vote could get further fragmented, thereby reducing the chances of even two members being elected from these districts,” the Muslim Council added.

The Muslim Council urged?Wickremesinghe to nominate at least three candidates to the districts of Kandy and Colombo, Two each for the districts of Kalutara, Kurunegala, Puttalam, etc.

The Muslim Council says this will ensure that the majority of the Muslim votes in these areas will be cast in favour of the United National Party. (Colombo Gazette)