Deputy Minister post awaits Gampola’s Cader?

Gampola United National Party (UNP) senior member and Kandy district parliamentarian A.R.M. Abdul Cader may join the United People’s Freedom Alliance government, sources close to the politician said this evening.

This move, they say is consequent to statements by the United National Party (UNP) hierarchy that Abdul Cader will be questioned as to why he voted with the Government during the vote to extend the State of Emergency on Wednesday.

The UNP had stated that Mr. Cader had gone against party consensus and that he would be questioned on the issue.

The extension of the State of Emergency was passed in parliament on (Wednesday May 5) with 132 voting for and 14 against. MP Abdul Cader voted in favour, setting out an alarm that he would cross over.

However, sources said that he had voted for, as the government had relaxed certain clauses of the Emergency and that it was a move for the better.

According to sources, the government is to offer a Deputy Ministerial portfolio to A.R.M. Abdul Cader once he crosses over.

It is noteworthy that Abdul Cader and Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratna represent the same area and their old school ties are long standing. During the reception to Premier Jayaratne in Gampola recently, Mr. Cader had been a prominent figure in welcoming him, despite being from a rival political party.