|
M.L.A.M. Hisbullah who was sworn in as a minister in the Eastern
Provincial Council pledged to work in cooperation with Chief
Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan for the sake of
Tamil-Muslim unity, the security of Muslim community and the
development of the Eastern Province.
Hisbullah was sworn in as Minister of Health and Indigenous
Medicine, Social Welfare, Probation and Child Care Services,
Women's Affairs, Youth Affairs, Sports, Information Technology
Education, Co-operative Development, Food Supply and
Distribution of the Eastern Province, before President Mahinda
Rajapaksa.
Addressing the media immediately after taking oaths, Hisbullah
said that after a lengthy discussion with Muslim leaders,
intellectuals and Ulamas, he had decided to work with the
Eastern Province Chief Minister to bring harmony among the Tamil
and Muslim community as well as ensure the security of Muslims
and the development of the Eastern Province.
He pointed out that quibbling over the post of Chief Minister
would not any benefits to the Muslim Community in the East,
acknowledging that President Rajapaksa had given the CM post to
Pillayan due to certain circumstances.
"To avoid any problem which may arise between the two
communities and for upholding the sovereignty of the Eastern
Muslims, the three All Ceylon Muslim Congress members elected to
the Eastern Provincial Council decided at a special meeting to
extend support to the UPFA."
Hisbulla further said that he had met with the Chief Minister
and that the two had a fruitful discussion: "He also requested
my support as he needs an experienced Minister from the area.
Therefore, we decided to support Pillayan on his Eastern
development programme." |