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by Jayantha Sri Nissanka and Bharatha Malawaraarchchi

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had yesterday assured Muslim religious leaders in the Eastern Province that their community would not receive anything less than what would be enjoyed by the Tamils under the proposed Interim Administration.

The Prime Minister had told them that he understood the feelings of Muslims and would treat them equally like any other community ensuring social and economic justice together with cultural rights.

To a question by the Muslim religious leaders whether the Prime Minister would grant them a separate unit of devolution, the latter said due consideration will be given to this demand after the matter was discussed at the peace talks.

Religious leaders had told the Premier that they fully endorse the peace process and was happy with the undertaking given by him. They would urge the SLMC MPS who are boycotting Parliament to reconsider their decision.

The Premier had told them that Muslims are an integral part of the peace talks. "We will carry this message to the people", religious dignitaries said.

Premier had also said that he will increase funds for the development of the Eastern Province considering the request of the religious leaders. Meanwhile, rebel MP of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Noordeen Mashoor yesterday returned to Parliament and voted at the Petroleum Products Bill finishing boycotting.

Nine SLMC MPs have engaged in a boycott of Parliament until the Prime Minister Ranil Wicremesinghe give them an assurance of a separate administration for Muslims in the North and East or suggest an alternative.

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