SLMC suspends Baiz, two others

Mohammed Naalir

COLOMBO: The High Command of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) has suspended the membership of three partymen whose names had transpired in last week’s clashes in Puttalam. The suspension would continue until the conclusion of findings into the incidents by the High Command following SLMC Parliamentarian M. T. Hasen Ali said.

The SLMC is deeply concerned about the recent events in Puttalam involving its members at a meeting that was convened to discuss the modalities of distributing around 1800 housing units among the natives of Puttalam.

The different approaches adopted by the National Organizer and Deputy Minister K. A. Baiz (MP) and two Politburo members and Provincial Councillors S. H. M. Niyas and Yehya with the intent of assuaging the needs and feelings of both the displaced as well as the host communities had been carefully manipulated and exploited by the elements with vested interest and that are determined to undermine the SLMC to create a negative impact, the party said in a statement.

The Leader and the Secretary General of the SLMC visited Puttalam and met all those involved and also obtained independent verification in order to obtain a clear picture of the events.

Following the said visit the High Command of the SLMC met on Tuesday night and deliberated the unfortunate events that had unfolded. Members Niyas and Yehya explained their involvement and conduct leading up to the meeting held on September 23 and the day after to the High Command.

As a party that has steadfastly reposed its faith in democratic values and principled negotiation process a means of resolving and transforming disputes and conflicts the High Command felt that it has become necessary to thoroughly inquire into the allegations and counter allegations to ascertain whether the conduct of its national organiser K Baiz MP and two politbureau members Niyas and Yehya has caused serious damage to the reputation of the party as to whether they have violated the party’s discipline, Hassan Ali said.

The High Command who met in the SLMC Head Quarters took this decision unanimously.