Muslim nations express hope in Premier as next President

Following the announcement of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse as the SLFP Presidential candidate, Muslim countries have welcomed the move taken by the party.

Ambassadors of Muslim countries in Colombo personally met Premier Rajapakse at Temple Trees and pledged their support. Ambassadors from Pakistan, Iran, Maldives, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iraq and other countries had met the Premier and said he fearlessly spoke on behalf of the Palestine issue for more than 30 years.

They also thanked him for speaking in Parliament in support of the Muslim community. Normally ambassadors convey their wishes soon after electing the President, but in this occasion the norm has changed and they have met the Premier before the election to wish him good luck.