UNP leader says ruling party has two CM candidates for the day and night

Addressing the national convention of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) in Kathankudy, Batticaloa, Ranil Wickramasinghe said Basil Rajapaksa is handed effective control in the war-torn region.

President has appointed Basil Rajapaksa, MP, as a member of the three-member Task Force Committee for north, in which minister Douglas Devananda is the chairman.

Task Force for north

The Task Force was given widespread powers to develop the north, Minister Devananda told BBC Sandeshaya on Friday.

The former SLMC regional leader, MLAM Hisbullah, who contests with the government for eastern Provincial Council (PC) elections, is a close ally of Basil Rajapaksa, Mr. Wickramasinghe said.

	"Credible power sharing is the only solution for ethnic problem"

President’s younger brother is gradually seizing the power in the north and the east through Mr. Hisbullah and the Task Force, while the elder brother is ruling the south, he added.

SLMC leader, Rauff Hakim, resigned from the parliamentary seat to contest as the chief candidate of main opposition, United National Party (UNP).

Commenting on both Hisbullah and breakaway LTTE leader Pillayan claiming the post of Chief Minister (CM) in the eastern province, the UNP leader said Mr. Hisbullah will have to carry out duty during the night.

"Credible" power sharing

The Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) which is widely known as Pillayan group is accused of widespread human rights violations including killings and abductions.

Chief Minister Pillayan, the UNP leader joked, will not be able to come out during the night hence the need for two CMs for east.

The UNP, Mr. Wicramasinghe added, will not change the policy towards national question even that means losing in elections.

He said the only solution for the national question is credible power sharing mechanism.

The elections for the eastern PC are to be held on 10 May.