SB meets MR, amidst controversy

Amidst attempts by the UNP to appoint its national organizer S.B. Dissanayake as a member of parliament through the national list, filling the void created by the SLMC, Mr. Dissanayke held talks with President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday setting off speculation.

The UNP earlier held discussions with the SLMC leadership regarding the legal aspects of Mr. Dissanayake being appointed as a National List MP, filling one of the two vacancies created by the resignation of two SLMC members to contest the eastern provincial council election.

Mr. Dissanayake, however, said that SLMC leader Rauff Hakeen expressed reservations about his request citing legal problems.

"I wanted to be nominated as an MP to see if there were any legal barriers to do so. If the Elections Commissioner accepts my nomination, I will resign from Parliament after some time leaving room for the SLMC to fill the slot. The UNP gave this assurance to the SLMC. Similarly, I will go to courts if the Commissioner rejects my nomination.

Even in that case, the SLMC will be able to appoint its nominee," he said.

Asked about his subsequent meeting with the President, Mr. Dissanayake said it was meant to seek some assistance for the Vidyodaya University’s Alumni Association which he represented.

"The President agreed to oblige," he said.

SLMC General Secretary Hassan Ali said there was a request by the UNP to appoint Mr. Dissanayake on the National List, but the party was unable to decide without referring the matter to the SLMC High Command which will be meeting on Sunday to make a decision.