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Sacked Sri Lankan Minister Threat to National Unity: President
Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga in a statement issued Thursday evening on the removal of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem from her cabinet, said it was in the greater interest and the common good of the country and the people.
She pointed out that Hakeem's policies posed a major threat to her government and the unity and understanding among different communities.
She recalled that on many occasions she had advised him to act with patience and cooperation before the decision to remove him was taken.
Drawing attention to the history of strong ties between her party and the Muslim community she emphasized that Hakeem's removal from the cabinet would in no way affect the Muslims.
Hakeem had violated the principle of collective responsibility of the cabinet of ministers, she said.
She said the SLMC had acted as an active and friendly constituent partner of the government but the statements and activities of Hakeem from the time he accepted his portfolio had caused a major problem for the government.
He acted in a manner that was in complete contrast to the policies of his late leader M.H.M. Ashraff who had never embarrassed the government, the president said.
She said that Hakeem on the other hand had regularly embarrassed the government and acted in violation of the principle of collective responsibility. He regularly issued long lists of demands that were met when possible.
Hakeem, who was the minister of internal and international trade and commerce, Muslim religious affairs and shipping development, was sacked by Kumaratunga on Wednesday.
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