SLPP treats all citizens equally: Ali Sabry

The SLPP Maradana branch office is jointly inauguarated by former Minister Susil Premajayantha and SLPP Muslim Federation Leader Ali Sabry (centre), while SLPP Muslim Federation National Organiser A.L.M. Uwais Hajiar (right) looks on

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, headed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa treats all citizens equally without any social or racial discrimination, said President’s Counsel Ali Sabry at the inauguration of the SLPP branch office in Maradana, Colombo on Wednesday.

The office was jointly opened by former Minister Susil Premajayantha and SLPP leader of the Muslim Federation Sabry, in the presence of its National Organiser A.L.M. Uwais Hajiar. Former mayors of Colombo and Matale Omar Kamil and Kareem respectively, were also present together with a large number of SLPP supporters, who flooded the auditorium.

Speaking further, Ali Sabry said that the latest Government decision to issue birth certificates without race or religion amply demonstrates that all born in the country will be treated as Sri Lankans in the future, irrespective of their parents’ faiths. He also said that Sri Lankans recently stood firm with the Palestinian West Bank annexation issue. He called Muslims living in Sri Lanka to enter the mainstream of politics by joining the SLPP, which is sure to get more than 137 seats in the 9th parliament of Sri Lanka. “There is no place for ethnic political parties in the present society, all citizens are treated as children of Mother Lanka,” he stressed, hinting at the members of the Muslim community to become partners in the formation of the new Government following the polls.

In his speech, Susil Premajayantha said that the SLPP hopes to receive more votes in the Colombo District because of the anticipated support of the Muslim community. He said Mahinda Rajapaksa has been a friend of the Muslim community throughout his political career, and has been maintaining friendly relations with Arab countries.

Welcoming the guests, Uwais Hajiar said that hitherto Muslims felt cheated by following ethnic parties, and now realise that to support the mainstream parties will lead to peaceful co-existence among the communities in Sri Lanka. “Now the so-called Muslim leaders are not in the scene,” he added.

The speakers at the inauguration ceremony. From left: former Minister Susil Premajayantha, SLPP Muslim Federation Leader Ali Sabry, and SLPP Muslim Federation National Organiser A.L.M. Uwais Hajiar

Attendees and audience members at the inauguration ceremony