From the Tamil Press:

PC system best solution to minority problems - EP Chief Minister

M.P. Muttiah

Eastern Province Chief Minister S. Chandrakanthan says that the Provincial Council system has been given as the best solution to the problems of minorities. Therefore, he said that impetus should be given to strengthen administrative activities that could rectify the past losses. There are no possibilities to get more than the provincial system. Meanwhile the TMVP led by the Chief Minister decided to contest in the Northern Province as an ally of the UPFA.

The All Ceylon Muslim Educational Convention has passed a resolution congratulating President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his victory at the Presidential Election. The representatives of the ACME met the President recently and received assurance for the appointment of Moulavi teachers.

The Paddy Marketing Board implements special programs to purchase paddy at a guaranteed price in the coastal areas of Ampara. Co-operative societies have been appointed as purchasing representatives of the Board. More than 100,000 acres of paddy cultivation is underway in the district during the Maha season after 30 years.

Former Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarian and All Ceylon Tamil Congress General Secretary Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam says that the ACTC would withdraw from the other three parties that consist the TNA.

He said that he had to take this decision as the TNA had changed its chosen path after 2004. The TNA was formed in 2001. He would announce his decision whether to contest or not at the parliamentary election. However, ACTC President A. Vinayagamoorthy refused to comment on Ponnambalam’s views.

According to reports the main reason for the withdrawal was that the TNA has allocated a place in its National List to ACTC President.