With Election Commissioner (EC) refusing to recognise either of the factions of the National Unity Alliance (NUA) as political parties, the NUA faction led by minister Ferial Ashraff has decided to contest the forthcoming general election on the PA ticket.
''The decision to contest in the north-east and Puttlam under the PA banner was taken unanimously at a crucial working committee meeting today,'' NUA spokesman Abul Kalam said.
On Monday the EC had ruled out recognition of either faction of the NUA as legal disputes in respect of the party and its leadership remained inconclusive.
Leader of the NUA and minister Ferial Asharaff has decided to contest from the Digamadulla district, a Muslim majority area while deputy leader of the party M L A M Hisbullah is to contest from the Batticaloa district.
The internal crisis in the NUA resulted in the split, when President Chandrika Kumaratunga in a mid-night move, had sacked Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader and former minister Rauf Hakeem in July.
This had resulted in the PA coalition government to lose its majority in the 225-member Parliament and had forced President Kumaratunga to dissolve Parliament.
SLMC-led NUA faction has already decided to contest on the UNP ticket.
Bureau Report
