ACMC stretches its Muscle towards Digamadulla: Eastern PC Group Leader joins Rishad

 

The former Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) group leader in the Eastern Provincial Council A. M. Jameel joined the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) led by Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and is contesting the general election under the Peacock symbol in Digamadulla District.

Mr. Jameel wrote a critical letter to SLMC leadership a few days ago; stating that he is frustrated, especially due to a certain Parliamentarian continues to block his development programmes in Kalmunai area.

Political sources from the Eastern Province said that Mr. Jameel’s defection is a significant blow for the SLMC, especially in Ampara District (Digamadulla Electoral District). Along with Mr. Jameel several other prominent SLMC members from the east have joined ACMC recently. The ACMC, traditionally strong in the Wanni, has built up a strong support base in certain parts of the SLMC strongholds in the east.

This evidently proves that previously SLMC predominant areas are now rallying under the Peacock symbol of able leadership of ACMC supremo Rishad Bathiudeen.

The ACMC contests the general election under its symbol in Digamadulla and Wanni. Although the SLMC is still strong in its strongholds in Batticaloa, the ACMC has started ‘eating up’ its support base in Digamadulla.

ACMC face a head-on contest only in Wanni District, where Rishad Bathiudeen remains a popular figure among the Muslim community in the Wanni District.