MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN
COLOMBO : The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka which comprises a network of over 80 of the islands largest and most influential National organizations of Muslims spread across the country , has made an appeal to the country’s president Anura Kumara Dissanayake to include a Muslim to the newly appointed Delimitation Committee.
A letter sent to the president .has pointed that it has been a tradition to appoint a Muslim to the committee to look after the interests of the Muslims . The letter recalls the former Muslim members of the Committee such Dr. M H Hasbulla, A M.Nahiya and M Maheer who had served as members.
“ We presume, the omission has been an oversight. Thus, as the Constitution of Sri Lanka (Article
95), provides for the appointment of five persons to the Delimitation Commission we appeal to Your Excellency that a member to represent the Muslim community be appointed at your earliest so that he/she could participate in its delebrations from its initial stage. “ the letter stated.
“ We are aware that the Core Responsibilities of the NDC are –
Boundary Demarcation: Redraw and adjust boundaries for electoral districts and assigned geographical units to balance populations and secure fair voting weight. 11. 2]
Equitable Representation: Ensure every citizen and vote achieves equal and effective democratic representation based on demographic and geographic shifts. 11. 2, 3, 4, 5] National and Institutional Planning: Extend technical guidance and leadership for boundary delimitation activities across various public and administrative institutions [1] Transparency and Compliance: Conduct boundary adjustments independently, ethically. and in accordance with the national objectives .”
The letter has been signed by the council’s president N M Ameen and its secretary M D M Rizvi
