Muslims disappointed over lack of Cabinet representation

20 November 2024 06:46 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 64 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, November 20 (Daily Mirror) - Even though 70 percent of Sri Lankan Muslims voted for the National People's Power (NPP) government, no Muslim representatives were included in the recent Cabinet appointments, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Kandy District candidate Rishad Mahroof said.

Addressing the media at the SLPP office in Colombo, he said that the Sri Lankan Muslim community has expressed their displeasure over the matter.

"During the election period, the NPP claimed that several representatives from the Muslim and Tamil communities would be appointed. This is the first time a government has decided to form a Cabinet without any Muslim representation since the country gained independence," he said.

"When the current government came to power, they relied heavily on Sri Lankan Muslim votes and even acknowledged that fact. It is questionable why no Muslims were appointed as Cabinet Ministers, and it raises suspicions that this might be part of some other agenda," he added.

Former Minister Ali Sabry represented the Muslim community in the Cabinet during Gotabaya Rajapaksa's government in 2019.

The current Parliament includes several Tamil representatives and even the first vision-impaired MP, but none from the Muslim community, he said.

Comments - 64

Vernon Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:01 AM

For heaven's sake, please do not start this type of communalism division or ideas, which had been the bane of this country. All MPs, Ministers etc are for all people of SL, and not representing this group or that group.

1 28

Shiv Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:03 AM

Incorrect statement in the last paragraph. There are many muslim representatives in the new parliament. It also may be news to the learned gentleman but Sri Lanka has matured beyond race base politics.

2 20

Sam Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:11 AM

Do you need a minister to represent your community? If no race based politics is involved don't try to bring unnecessary problems. If you have a problem you can make an appointment to see the president or the Priminister.

2 16

Zak Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:11 AM

NPP represents all Sri Lankans and ministries are given on merit not on ethnic basis. Also they didn’t allocate ministers based on district representation either. That’s another change in SL political culture. Everyone should learn to respect it and live with it.

1 21

Sam Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:13 AM

Before your religion call your self a Sri Lankan. Then all these problems will disappear. Be happy.

2 19

Dinesh Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:14 AM

As usual SLPP is investing on racism...It doesn't matter who is appointed as long as they work for the country and it's people. All previous so called "muslim ministers" only worked from themselves, and not for the benefit of any community.

0 17

Akmal Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:18 AM

We know SLPP and Azad Salley. We have listened enough to your worthless talks. Nobody is willing to entertain you this time. Those past days are gone to entertain these crook recommendations. It is not about religions in job positions. This time it is only Sri lankans in job positions.

3 62

Panduka Dasanayake Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:20 AM

Still trying to play the race card! Mr Mahroof, please get used to the end of sectarian politics in Lanka, and respect it quietly. No one’s a lesser Lankan because their community is not represented in the cabinet. Such myopic thinking has no place hereon.

3 58

Mahila Wednesday, 20 November 2024 11:21 AM

The ministers aren't there to represent any community but to do their Ministerial functions as per decisions, irrespective of Race, Religion, Caste and sectarian differentiation!!?? Troublemaker!!?? MP's represent the electors and are elected by voters!?? Don't tell me you didn't elect an MP on 15th November who is NONE but a Muslim!!?? What more do you want!!?? "Creators" of Corruption and Nepotism!!?? Old tricks!!??

1 15

Nel Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:28 AM

It looks like this clown from SLPP trying hard to create divisions along the lines of race and religion. Have you considered that people were appointed on being the best persons for the job instead of which religion they followed?

3 54

Joshua Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:32 AM

Mind your own business and stay at home. SLPP set of rogues have been kicked out for ever. People ate with NPP.

1 51

Mahen Muttiah Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:33 AM

The cabinet is supposed to be based on skills not ethnicity or religion.

1 72

Praja Pathirana Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:35 AM

As usual, pohottuwa resorting to communal hatred and division

1 13

Be Fair Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:38 AM

Well then its your job from the SLPP to stir the pot, which you guys are good at. Take a hike mate.

0 36

Kirihāmi Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:45 AM

If you didn't work for the NPP, you shouldn't stress about their cabinet choices. If you wanted them to do things a certain way, why didn't you put in the effort to help them reach those goals?

0 64

Vivekan Vivian Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:45 AM

Mister positions are for the competent people. Not something shared among casts, races or religions. Your crocodile tears are visible. Once again communal politics? Just leave it to the competent ones, whomever it maybe.

0 29

Janaka D Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:50 AM

Rather than being disappointed, why cannot they be excited about having all 100% Sri Lankans in the cabinet, which Rajapaksa did not ensure? Which, by the way, with the support of minority parties.

1 27

sonna hamidon Wednesday, 20 November 2024 07:53 AM

We are all Sri lankans now . Stop thinking on ethics and religious lines. This is the only way forward.

0 54

Narayanan Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:05 AM

Do not worry about cabinet positions. It’s only a status. All will have to do good work to lift up Sri Lanka.

0 53

Jay Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:09 AM

Ministerial posts were not given by race...it is given by work assignments.. muslims or any other will not be considered as minority or seperate people. Not even singhalese considered as majority... now we have only sri lankans... Pohottuva always carry old rotten egg basket... we know who you are..

0 9

Jay Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:09 AM

Ministerial posts were not given by race...it is given by work assignments.. muslims or any other will not be considered as minority or seperate people. Not even singhalese considered as majority... now we have only sri lankans... Pohottuva always carry old rotten egg basket... we know who you are..

2 27

Jay Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:09 AM

Ministerial posts were not given by race...it is given by work assignments.. muslims or any other will not be considered as minority or seperate people. Not even singhalese considered as majority... now we have only sri lankans... Pohottuva always carry old rotten egg basket... we know who you are..

1 18

Inshi Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:13 AM

"He that can have patience have what he will". Benjamin Franklin

0 14

Kugan Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:17 AM

Don't bring the race here 70% voted for quality maybe this guy wanted to jump the tree where was he when the burials on COVID

1 23

Pierre Gunesekera Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:37 AM

At it again just mind your business AS instead of instigating hatred using race and religion as a tool.

1 23

azmath buhar Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:41 AM

There is no such dissapointment don't create unwanted problems.

1 31

M Fernando Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:42 AM

If you SLPP guys had won, you could have redressed this shortcoming, right ? Not only that, You could also have as solved world hunger, ushered in global peace and fixed the climate crisis ! But you didn't win so no point moaning.

0 19

AF Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:43 AM

You talk only about your self. We all other Muslims were glade the way things moving.

0 29

Rene Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:46 AM

Even the Muslims in SLPP are racists I don’t understand how that happens

4 19

Mina Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:53 AM

Maharoof you can speak for pohottuwa but not for NPP. Read what Dr Rizvi who is a NPP mp said about this issue

1 24

Gampaha Darane Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:54 AM

What is the vested right this racist is bestowed to comment on the NPP's activities. Opportunists in any label has to be totally eliminated.

1 17

Mohamed Ariff Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:57 AM

We are not disappointed. We believe in those appointed. A capable person is what we need, doesn't matter what community they are from. .

1 41

Nazeer Wednesday, 20 November 2024 08:59 AM

As a Muslim SJB voter it’s totally baseless and guess give them room to adjust and move forward. Be patient and act more more mature be it those who voted or even voted against. Elections are over. Be happy AKD appointed a Muslim Governor where people were happy. Don’t waste time now listen to others stories and fairy tales tubes. Go ahead with work and hope for the best to come.

1 28

K Wednesday, 20 November 2024 09:03 AM

Wow, look at who is speaking..good try from podujana peramuna and we will expect similar from some others in the future.. We look for outcomes and not positions. We trust this cabinet will consider everyone equally and do the needful to maintain unity and peace while uplifting the country to the next level. That's what we want.. Further what we gained in the last govenment, did they use their authority to prevent forced cremations or injustice happened to the community , Answer is hell No.. so keep you mouth shut please

1 18

Upulpb Wednesday, 20 November 2024 09:11 AM

Why is SLPP worrying! There are 27 or so Deputy ministers to be appointed and surely there will be Muslim representation.

1 19

Shaz Wednesday, 20 November 2024 09:13 AM

No we are not. Let’s not spread hate and give crooks like him a chance to promote things like this

1 26

Mohamed Mirfath Wednesday, 20 November 2024 09:16 AM

To the SLPP: We kindly urge you to refrain from intervening in this matter. As Muslims, our votes were not cast with the intention of gaining ministerial positions but rather to contribute to the betterment of the nation as a whole. Attempts to incite racism are not only unwelcome but also stand firmly rejected by the people. Such divisive ideologies have no place in our society. We respectfully request you to step aside and allow us to focus on fostering unity and progress for all.

1 35

Terrence K Wednesday, 20 November 2024 09:16 AM

Now you are crying that after supporting the NPP/JVP there are no muslim or tamil representatives this is only the beginning. There are many other things that will happen in the coming future and many who supported the NPP/JVP will have to strike their breasts and say "Through our faults Through our faults and through our grievous faults"

16 4

Mina Wednesday, 20 November 2024 09:17 AM

Your statement itself a disappointment to Muslims , don’t create dissent among communities. The new government will look in to this as this government won’t create unnecessary problems among communities

1 20

Naazir Wednesday, 20 November 2024 09:17 AM

Dear Minister, Please avoid spreading racism propaganda, which SLPP has always been doing. No wonder you share the same when you represent them. Please note its not about the Ministry portfolios; its about appointing qualified people to run the show. I'm more than confident that AKD will be doing the right thing by consulting his strong team. Please keep away!

1 22

johan Wednesday, 20 November 2024 09:18 AM

When SLPP Govt. cremated the babies during Covid-19 are still displeasure over it.

1 14

D P P Prasad Wednesday, 20 November 2024 09:27 AM

The SLPP members more open try to create unnecessary issues. This party led by Namal Rajapaksha faced a serious debacle during the recently concluded general election. They were not in a position to secure a number of seats as desired. Now the certain members of the SLPP criticise that the NPP leadership discriminates the party composition by marginalising the the its Muslim members But this is totally wrong in the future while the deputy ministers are swearing there will be a definite chance for the Muslim parliamentarians of the NPP to obtain the portfolios

0 3

MNI1 Wednesday, 20 November 2024 09:29 AM

NPP will get the Reply from Muslims in next Election(s)

5 2

MINORITY Wednesday, 20 November 2024 09:41 AM

A quote from Wikipedia = "Unity in diversity is used as an expression of harmony and unity between dissimilar individuals or groups. It is a concept of "unity without uniformity and diversity without fragmentation"[1] that shifts focus from unity based on a mere tolerance of physical, cultural, linguistic, social, religious, political, ideological and/or psychological differences towards a more complex unity based on an understanding that difference enriches human interactions. The idea and related phrase is very old and dates back to ancient times in both Western and Eastern Old World cultures. It has applications in many fields, including ecology,cosmology, philosophy, religion[3] and politics." IT APPLIES TO POLITICS as well - Pl rethink on your appointments - if not we minorities may wrongly take it as "coming colours not good" or "the tiger cannot change it's stripes nor the leopard its spots"

0 4

Rajinth Wednesday, 20 November 2024 09:50 AM

This guy got circumcised yesterday I think

1 3

Roshanaly Wednesday, 20 November 2024 10:06 AM

Majority did not grumble when minority was appointed as the Western Province Governor and also minority group candidate lost the election and taken into Parliament under National slot. What do you say for this??.

0 4

Ummul Zahid Wednesday, 20 November 2024 10:37 AM

This might be the first time a cabinet has been formed without Muslim representation. It could be that none of the selected Muslim MPs from the NPP met the criteria for cabinet inclusion, or perhaps the party has adopted a different approach to address issues concerning the Muslim community and national matters. For now, it would be prudent to wait and observe rather than rushing to conclusions. We are Sri Lankans and our eligibility criteria does not include religion. We are very much confident of the NPP government. We do not need provocation of others.

0 7

wickrama Wijayasiri Wednesday, 20 November 2024 10:43 AM

.....In addition to what I wrote earlier, from where is AKD supposed to get these Muslim Ministers, if none were elected within the 159 he has?............... You are just trying to make trouble?

1 7

Zaid aboobucker Wednesday, 20 November 2024 10:47 AM

No we are not disappointed. Worse things have happened to the community while there were Muslim ministers in the cabinet. I believe This is a non racial Head of State and Government. So let ALL Sri Lankans hope and look forward to a Country for all Sri Lankans.

0 5

BAID Wednesday, 20 November 2024 10:55 AM

What he says is true. NPP is playing the card nationalism and marginalising the entire Muslim community . The supporters of NPP will never accept this. It should have been an inclusive cabinet.

6 1

Krish Wednesday, 20 November 2024 10:58 AM

I wouldn't care even if all the cabinet members are aliens as long as they can work with integrity and competency.

0 7

Krish Wednesday, 20 November 2024 10:58 AM

I wouldn't care even if all the cabinet members are aliens as long as they can work with integrity and competency.

0 5

Krish Wednesday, 20 November 2024 10:58 AM

I wouldn't care even if all the cabinet members are aliens as long as they can work with integrity and competency.

0 5

F.k.m.d. chandrasiri Wednesday, 20 November 2024 11:09 AM

He is not talking about two national list MPs nominated from among loosers to represent minority people of North and East.

0 2

Davs Wednesday, 20 November 2024 11:13 AM

Hello, Member of SLPP, The newly elected government is not giving away jobs. It is planning to take the country to another level. The right people given position to serve the people. They are servant of the people. Your thinking is very primitive. Shut up and watch the country grow and prosper. As you can see and understand NPP is not having 50 ministerial position like previous government to make MPS happy, rather only 21 ministers to serve the people. Muslim people, Tamil people and Singla people know what they want. They want their MPs to serve them, not the MPS to be given a glamorous position. Grow up idiot. Lucky the people not elected your party to rule this country.

0 4

Ylg Wednesday, 20 November 2024 11:22 AM

Well then furnish some educated smart people. Unfortunately the Educated Muslims whom there is a lot of and are nice people are smart enough to keep away from you minions. You are a bad representation for the community.

1 4

Mahila Wednesday, 20 November 2024 11:37 AM

Cabinet and Ministers are appointed based on competency and not on Religion, Race or other factors!!?? Is Your MP Competent, capable to be Minister!!??

1 6

Ruwan Wednesday, 20 November 2024 12:04 PM

Where were ywhen Ali Sabry smuggling era? Rauf Hakeem was the justice minister when 18 th amendment passed which paved the way for mahinda to contest third term for president and shirani banadaranayaka was dismissed unethically Tell me a single Muslim minister uncorrupt Please don't bring in race cast and creed Narrow minded people like are thrown to dustbin Contribute something for nation rebuilding instead of talking nonsense

0 7

Uthuman Farook Wednesday, 20 November 2024 12:49 PM

Ali Sabry never represented muslim community of Sri Lanka.

0 6

Mohamed Musfta Wednesday, 20 November 2024 02:37 PM

What is the use of having Muslim representatives? The most burning issue was demolishing the Divorce and Marriage Act 1951 (an inappropriate law developed in Sri Lanka as a Sharia law). None of the Muslim leaders could do it for the last 35 years. So many Muslim women are suffering due to unprofessional acts by the Quazi Court, where jurors are from, and judges are deciding Rs 10,000 is enough for a month for child education, maintenance, rent, health and others based on their income level without considering the social background of the children. Decisions are given based on the judge's social background and not as per the case.

0 3

Mohamed abdullah Wednesday, 20 November 2024 02:55 PM

If we muslims wanted represenation we would have voten for you. Web didnt because we know your big clown. Also we voted NPP because we didnt want muslims MPS.

0 1

Imran Hameed Wednesday, 20 November 2024 05:17 PM

NPP will represent all communities and most of the Muslim representatives in the past hasn’t done anything for the country or the community.All they did was being a pimp to Mahinda and family.thank you very much for your concern

0 1

Chandana Abeysundara Thursday, 21 November 2024 06:02 AM

Please do not arouse this type of division which has caused great downfall and the country and its people have suffered during past 76 years.Let us be positive and give our support Be positive !

0 0

Praja Pathirana Thursday, 21 November 2024 12:13 PM

Why don't you appoint a Muslim from your national list

0 0

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