• The real objective of inviting Muslim MPs is to woo their support to  vote in favour of the CPC Economic Commission Bill

By Yohan Perera   

Samagi Jana Balawegaya yesterday criticised the Muslim MPs who participated in the Ifthar party hosted by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday.   

SJB MP Nalin Bandara said that the real objective of inviting Muslim MPs is to woo their support to vote in favour of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill. “We feel that the government is trying to woo the support of Muslim MPs to vote for the Bill in case a two-thirds is required,” the MP said.   “We wonder whether these Muslim MPs were not ashamed to participate in this Ifthar. They are not concerned about MP Rishad Bathiudeen.  Asked about the government MPs that have opposed the Port City Economic Commission Bill, the MP said this could be a drama as the government might make some minor amendments to the Bill to satisfy these MPs.  “We are not against the Port City project but only oppose the legislation, as it makes the Port City a separate administrative unit,” he also said.